Stephen Von Schlemmer Coleman, Sr.

Stephen von Schlemmer Coleman, Sr., 81, of Bell City, LA, died at 7:05 PM on Tuesday, October 28, 2014 in his residence. Mr. Coleman was born February 7, 1933 in New Orleans, LA, where he was raised. He graduated from McNeese State University in 1957, where he received his Bachelor of Science in Business and was a lettered member of the MSU Tennis team. He retired from the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury after thirty-five years as a license officer. Mr. Coleman was a member of St. John Vianney Catholic Church, where he was a past lay minister for eight years and was trustee for ten years. He was very active in his community; serving as a co-founder of the Bell City Little League Baseball Program. He also served as a past president for the PTA in Bell City for eight years, was a Calcasieu Parish school board member for Ward 2 for seven years and was instrumental in the consolidation of small community schools in Ward 2 to build and form Bell City High School. Mr. Coleman served on the Board of Directors for the Calcasieu Parish Employee's Credit Union for twenty-five years, was a member of the MSU Alumni Association for fifty-six years, and a member of Who's Who at MSU Alumni for twenty years. He enjoyed being outdoors and loved working with cattle. He served on the Calcasieu Parish Livestock Sale Committee, on the Board of Directors for the S.W. District Livestock Show and Rodeo for twenty-five years, and was Chairman of the Calcasieu Parish and S.W. District Camper Committee for twenty-five years. He was an avid duck hunter, and will always be remembered as a family man who will be missed dearly. Mr. Coleman is survived by his wife of fifty-eight years, Leatrice Derouen Coleman of Bell City, LA; son, Stephen von Schlemmer Coleman, Jr. and wife Dr. Felicia Coleman of Bell City, LA; daughters, Catherine Fontenot of Bell City and Stephanie DeVillier and husband Craig of Katy, TX; grandchildren, Diana Coleman Vinson, Kyle Stephen Medicis, Luke Thomas DeVillier, Sidney Evan DeVillier, and Kane Richard Vest; and great-grandchildren, Bryce Joseph Conner, Owen Scott Conner, Lilah Ann DeVillier, and Kash Stephen Medicis. He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Elise Coleman; his loving aunt, Elizabeth St. Germes (Neinen); brothers, William and Allen Coleman; and grandson, Stephen Elliott Coleman. His funeral service will be held at 10:00 AM on Friday, October 31, 2014 at the Johnson Funeral Home Chapel. Father Emmanuel Tanu and Father Alan Trouille will officiate. Burial will follow in Consolata Cemetery. Visitation will be at the funeral home on Thursday from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM with a rosary at 6:00 PM. Visitation will continue on Friday from 8:00 AM until the start of the service. The family would like to express a special word of thanks to Dr. Michael Turner, Dr. Abu Shamat, and Heart of Hospice, especially Anquetta Madden for the care they gave.