MITCHELL – John Michael Coleman, 88, passed away Thursday, August 21, 2025, at Gentry Park Senior Living in Bloomington.
Born June 7, 1937, in Henryville, he was the son of William Harold and Elizabeth (Gosney) Coleman. He married Janet May Reynolds on June 9, 1957 and she preceded him in death January 7, 2004.
John attended Mitchell schools and was a 1955 graduate of Mitchell High School. Upon graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, which took him to San Diego, California, where he and Janet made a home. He received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in accounting from San Diego State University. His career with the U.S. Naval Audit service allowed him to travel across the U.S., and to Asia and Australia, which he greatly enjoyed. John was an avid reader, and was well known at the Mitchell Library, where he stopped in during his frequent visits back to Mitchell.
John moved back to Indiana in 2019, settling in Bloomington. He was a life-long movie buff and enjoyed “Western Wednesdays” at Gentry Park Assisted Living, to which he moved late last year. He was a proud liberal — you could always count on him for a good political debate. John’s alter ego was Snoopy, especially when he was on top of his doghouse chasing after the Red Baron. He was a devoted parent, grandparent and great grandparent.
Surviving are his children, Claudia Michelle “Shelley” (William L.) Larkins of Portland, Oregon and Suzanne Marie Coleman of Mitchell; grandchildren, Zoe Larkins of Portland, Oregon and Sally (R.J. Detrick) Larkins of Minneapolis, Minnesota; and great-grandchildren, Lela Detrick and Louis Detrick.
His parents and wife preceded him in death.
Cremation has been chosen. A private family graveside service will be held at a later date.
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