Robert Wesley Coleman

Robert Wesley Coleman, Sr. of Chestertown, Maryland died on April 8, 2010 at his home. He was 61. He was born on October 2, 1948 the son of the late, Walter William Coleman Jr. and Sarah Elizabeth Rose Johnson. He was raised on the farm outside of Betterton, MD and attended school in Kent County. As a young man, at the age of 15, he was known for his unique ability to “break” thoroughbreds. He moved to Virginia and worked at several horse racing venues and later to Elsmere, Delaware. He and his brother, Terry, resided with their Uncle Carl and Aunt Ida Potter, both began working in the construction field as heavy equipment operators with James Julian Construction Company. Mr. Coleman moved to Florida and started his own business named B & K Construction with his wife, Kelly. He moved back to Kent County, Maryland. Mr. Coleman began Bob’s Backhoe Service which he owned and operated with his life partner, Carol Pletzer. Mr. Coleman was a member of the Tuckahoe Equestrian Club and the League of Maryland Horseman. He enjoyed operating heavy equipment, construction projects, farming (they raised Angus and Herford steers along with horses), traveling, camping, and trail riding. He was devoted to his late mother who he affectionately referred to as “Boss” along with his brother and best friend Terry; he also loved his entire family. In addition to Carol he is survived by his children, Bobbi Jo Kaeppler of Newark, DE, Robert W. Coleman, Jr. of St. Petersburg, FL, Robert W. “Bobby Jr.” Coleman Jr. of Texas, Billy Coleman and Terry Coleman both of Live Oak, FL; stepchildren, Peter Pletzer of Betterton, MD and Christina Pletzer of Chestertown, MD, and siblings, Terry F. Coleman of Lynch, MD, Larry R. Coleman of Lynch, MD, Sally Coleman of Chestertown, MD, Kay Sigler of Tennessee, and Russell Kersey of Lynch, MD, along with eleven grandchildren and several nieces, nephews, aunts, and uncles. He was predeceased by his wife Kelly, brother, William “Billy” Coleman, stepfather, Lester Kersey and stepfather, John Johnson, along with a son, Kelly Coleman in 2009. Services will be held on Wednesday evening at 7:00 PM April 14, 2010 at Fellows, Helfenbein, and Newnam Funeral Home, 130 Speer Road, Chestertown, MD where relatives and friends may call one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Tuckahoe Equestrian Center, 619 Crouse Mill Road, Queen Anne, MD 21657. Arrangements by Fellows, Helfenbein, and Newnam Funeral Home Chestertown, MD.

Robert Wesley Coleman

October 2, 1948 - April 8, 2010