William Robert Coleman Jr.

William Robert Coleman, Jr., age 79, of Conway, passed away Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2014. William was born Jan. 20, 1935, in Hutchinson, Kan. He was preceded in death by his father, William Coleman, Sr.; his mother, Virginia Coleman Young; his stepfather, Jerry Young; and his first wife, Rozella Smyres Coleman. He served as First Lieutenant in the U.S. Army and received his degree as a Mining Engineer from South Dakota School of Mines. His engineering career allowed him to live in several states before moving to Arkansas, where he lived in Fort Smith and then Conway. He loved playing golf and was an avid bridge player. He was very close to attaining life master when he became ill. William always worked hard to excel at anything he attempted. He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Evon Harvey Coleman, who was faithful in her love and support during his lengthy illness. He leaves loving memories to be cherished by his sister, Shirley Cornette of Wichita, Kansas; his children: Jerry Coleman (Lisa) of Marion, Vicky Sharpe (Tim) of Fort Worth, Texas, Cindy Barkley (Charles) of Fort Worth, Texas, and William Coleman (Vicky) of Oleatha, Kan.; his 12 grandchildren; and many great-grandchildren. Services will be at 10 a.m., Wednesday, in the Bishop-Crites Funeral Home in Greenbrier with Cory Jones officiating. Visitation will be Wednesday, from 9:30 a.m. until service time. There will be a private burial in the Arkansas Veterans Cemetery in North Little Rock. Arrangements are under the direction of Davis-Smith Funeral Home, Hot Springs. Pallbearers will be Grant Coleman, Austin Coleman, Lance Coleman, Coleman Barkley, Conner Barkley and Cameron Barkley. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice Home Care of Conway, 821A North Creek, Conway, Ark., 72032. Guest registry is at www.davis-smith.com.