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Obituaries

Dennis Wayne Coleman Sr.

April 11, 1948 - July 28, 2023

Obituary For Dennis Wayne Coleman Sr.

Dennis Wayne Coleman, Sr. of Livonia, Michigan, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 28, 2023, at Beaumont Hospital in Farmington Hills, Michigan. He was 75. He was the eldest son of the late William and Evelyn Clark Coleman and was born and raised in Gary, Indiana. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Purdue University and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Iowa. He worked for Ford in Detroit, MI before moving to Houston, TX to work for Exxon (now ExxonMobil). After ExxonMobil, he switched to work in the aerospace industry as a NASA contractor.

He believed that, with hard work, you can make your own luck. This attitude led him to have a successful career in the aerospace industry where he was able to see the world. Besides his work with NASA, he became a consultant for the European Space Agency, working on projects based in The Netherlands and England including the Hubble Space Telescope. He also collaborated with colleagues in Cocoa Beach, FL, Germany, Italy, and French Guinea before moving back to Houston where he retired.

Betty-Jean Eves, his longest and closest friend, described him as an extremely intelligent human being with a wonderful, offbeat sense of humor that she loved.

His love for traveling took him to several other countries including The Bahamas, Belgium, Canada, France, Luxembourg, Suriname, and Wales. He also enjoyed playing pool when in the United States and snooker when in Europe. He liked playing board games – especially Settlers of Catan and watching sports with his girlfriend of 11 years, Susan Doyle. Dennis and Susan especially loved watching the Detroit Tigers and Houston Astros together. To relax, he would write poetry. He will be greatly missed by his many friends and family.

He is survived by:

Sons: Dennis Wayne (Julia) Coleman, Jr., Sean William (Kelly) Coleman, and Brian Roger Coleman

Grandchildren: DeSean Marie Coleman, Joshua Caleb (Riesa) Coleman, Luke Christian Coleman, Morgan Ashleigh Coleman, Madison Kelsea Coleman, Mia Elena Coleman

He is preceded in death by his brother, Dan Arvin (Jackie) Coleman.

He is laid to rest at Trinity Cemetery in Detroit, Michigan.

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Condolences

August 20, 2023

Betty-Jean Eves

Thank you so very much to Susan and your family including Moe for taking such good care of such an important man in our lives. Betty-Jean
August 20, 2023

Betty-Jean Eves

Dennis and I met in early 1991 and were together until the summer of 2013. Even though I had not physically seen him in about 6 years, we were always a part of each others' lives on a mostly daily basis. We spoke to each other 2 and sometimes 3 times a day for many years. TO: smotaz FROM: bej I wish I had known that our last chat would actually be our last chat. You will always be part of my life.
August 19, 2023

Angie Jurgensen

Dennis, you are deeply missed. You had a deep impact on those who knew and loved you. I am thankful for the time that I got to spend with you. My deepest sympathies to Susan, Rachel, Moe & the Coleman family.
August 19, 2023

Tandy Jurgensen

I feel amazed and blessed that this person was in my life as a life partner to my good friend and chosen family Susan Doyle. His professional accomplishments and success in family relationships as well as his humility is to be admired. I never felt small in his presence although there may have been every reason to feel so. I just felt like I was hanging out with a dear friend. ❤️ He will be greatly missed.
August 06, 2023

Amy Jerome

A man that could keep up with the Doyle gals could be nothing less than extraordinary! You were a wry stoic...often quiet but always with a twinkle in your eye. I didn't know you well, but I know what an enormous impact you had on Rachel and that says so much. Please help guide us on how to care for those you left behind as only you knew how. All my love to Susan, Rachel, and Moe-moe...here for whatever you need.
August 03, 2023

Caroline Naumowicz

Words cannot describe how sorry we are for your loss. Dennis was an absolute sweetheart and the love he had for his family was beautiful. You can see his legacy in Susan and Rachel through the love they have for him. We are thinking of you, please let us know if there is anything we can do. Caroline and Craig
August 03, 2023

Alexia

Dennis, I am saddened to hear of your passing. I am sending my deepest condolences to your family. Though our meeting was brief, you have left nothing shy of a warm impression in my mind. You, Susan, and Rachel opened your home to me a few times to celebrate the holidays and that was during a dark hour for me. You helped make those moments enjoyable by allowing me to share a feast and partake in some tabletop games, one of them being Wingspan! I will cherish the laughter and warm sense of belonging during that time. Thank you for being a pillar and such a bright force for Susan, Rachel and little Moe. Now you are among the stars shining bright for them and all to see. Rachel and Susan, my heart and deepest sympathies extend to you both. I wish there was something I could say to bring comfort during such a cold time and moment such as this but just know I am here if you need anything. Sending all of my love and warm hugs, - Alexia <3
August 03, 2023

Rachel Doyle

I will live the rest of my days being so grateful that I got to have Dennis Coleman as a father figure in my life. Thank you so much, Dennis, for among all the many great and amazing things you were throughout your life, thank you for also being my dad. I loved you, I love you, and I will always love you.
August 03, 2023

Pamela Zsolzai

Susan and Coleman family- I am so sorry for your loss and I pray that this is a time of remembrance for you all to treasure the memories that you have created!
August 03, 2023

Crystal Spratt

Sending my deepest sympathy to Susan and family. I'm wishing you all the love and comfort during this sad time!
August 02, 2023

Jane Jamison

My sympathies to Susan, Moe, Family and Friends! Still can't believe how quickly he is gone. RIP DENNIS 🤗😢