Ellwood Leon Coleman (Ret.) USMC

Ellwood Coleman, age 83, loving husband, father, grandfather, and faithful friend passed away June 3, 2016. Ellwood was born April 27, 1933 in Richmond, Virginia to Elsie Cheatem and Herbert Coleman. He went to school in Richmond. He then joined the Air Force for four years. Shortly thereafter he joined the Marines. He served a little more than 15 years. He retired from the Marines as a Staff Sergeant. While in the Marines he met the love of his life Ava in California. After retirement Ellwood couldn't keep still and he began working for FedEx in California. Ellwood and Ava relocated to Albuquerque. Ellwood continued with FedEx in Albuquerque until he again retired. He was very active in his church in California and Albuquerque. He sang in the church choirs. Music was a big part of his life as was the church. Ellwood loved his Raiders and music. He loved Frank Sinatra but he especially adored jazz. Ellwood volunteered his time as a bagger at the Base Commissary in Albuquerque to socialize with other Veteran's. Ellwood never met a stranger. He had a quick wit and a good sense of humor. He had a winning smile that could turn mischievous. He was in poor health with Parkinson's disease for many years.
He is survived by his wife, Ava; his children, Yoko and Kevin (Laura); his grandchildren, Bjaun (Anna) and Sofia; his sister, Glorine; great-grandchildren, Genesis Rae, Trinity T'Ava, and Bjaun Kameen Jr.; nephews, John (Becky) and Malcolm; great niece, Rita; and great nephew, Jake. A Visitation will be Thursday, June 9, 2016 from 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. at FRENCH - Lomas. Services will be Friday, June 10, 2016, 1:00 p.m., also at FRENCH - Lomas.