William Arthur Coleman

William Arthur Coleman of Worton, MD, died on November 9, 2012, at Chester River Hospital Center in Chestertown, MD. He was 86. He was born in Chestertown on June 18, 1926, the son of the late, William Arthur and Bernice Schauber Coleman. He was a graduate from Chestertown High School, Class of 1943, following graduation he worked as a farmer before enlisting in the U.S. Army. Mr. Coleman served two years as a chaplain’s assistant stateside and was honorably discharged in 1948. He returned to Kent County and married his high school sweetheart, Betty Ann VanSant in 1948. They resided in Chesterville where he farmed for the next ten years while raising their family. In 1958, he took a position with Washington College working on the buildings, maintenance, and grounds. He retired after 32 years with the College as Superintendent of Maintenance and Grounds in 1989. Mr. Coleman was also a freelance photographer working for the Chester River Press and as a wedding photographer. He was also an accomplished decoy carver. In 1957, he joined the Chestertown Volunteer Fire Company and was an active member for the next 55 years serving in all offices except chaplain, he served for multiple years as chief and was actively involved in over 8,000 alarms. He was also a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Mr. Coleman enjoyed auctions, carving, photography, but was most proud of his family, with whom he enjoyed spending much time. In addition to his wife of 64 years, he is survived by his children, Albert William Coleman of Chestertown, MD, Bonnie Blyman (Jim) of Worton, MD, David Arthur Coleman (Susan) of Ocean City, MD, and Paul Fletcher Coleman (Patricia) of Mardela Springs, MD; two sisters, Marie Krug of Lutherville, MD, and Jean Salata of Wilmington, DE; along with a daughter in law, Shelly Coleman of Chestertown, MD, and close friend, John Michael Benjamin of Chestertown, MD. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Jessica, Rachel, Zebulon, William, and Joshua, and great-granddaughter, Claira. He was predeceased by a son, Dennis Coleman, and a brother, Jack Coleman. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, November 15, 2012, at 10 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, High St., Chestertown, MD. Interment will follow in Chester Cemetery. Relatives and friends are invited to a visitation at Fellows, Helfenbein, and Newnam Funeral Home, 130 Speer Road, in Chestertown on Wednesday evening from 4:00 -7:00 p.m. where a tribute by the Chestertown Volunteer Fire Company will be held at 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Chestertown Volunteer Fire Company or Sacred Heart Catholic Church.

William Arthur Coleman

June 18, 1926 - November 9, 2012