Bob Cooper Coleman

BOB COOPER COLEMAN SR. passed away March 18, 2016 at the age of 62. He devoted much of his life to making the state of Arkansas a happier, better place. Bob proudly worked for 44 years at the family business, Coleman Dairy, which had been operated by his family for over 150 years and was run by his second family, the employees of the dairy. It wasn't just a job to him; it was his heritage. He graduated from Little Rock Central High School, was President of his Senior Class in 1971, and he was helping plan their 45th reunion. He attended the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville and UALR, and he was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity. Bob was a very active member of his community. He was on the boards of the Recovery Centers of Arkansas and the Arkansas State Fair. He was very active with the Arkansas Hospitality Association and was one of four people to receive the Maurice E. Lewis Lifetime Achievement Award in 2013. He was also inducted into the AHA Hall of Fame. Bob was also a proud member and past President of the Little Rock Executive Association. Bob shared everything in his life with those around him. He loved horse racing, and would spend time every year at Oaklawn, working the racing form and sharing his tip sheet, "Bob's Burners," for free. He loved cooking, both for himself and others. His position as head chef of the Coleman Cooking Team meant plenty of time handing out meals at charity events and tailgates. He would spend entire weekends jarring salsa made from his own garden, or creating his famous Christmas bread loaves, and he would give them away to friends and family. He loved being a judge at the Arkansas Hospitality Association Culinary Classic competition. Bob is preceded in death by his parents, Buddy and Robbye Coleman. He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Beverly; his son Bob Jr. (Sarah); his three brothers, Walt (Cynthia), Charlie (Patti), and Cherb (Connie); and his in-laws Pete Baird (Becky) and Berta Ward (Phil). He is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, and grand-nephews, whom he loved and was affectionately known as "Bunkle Bob." A memorial service will be held at Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, March 22, with a reception to follow in the Great Hall at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to one of the following: Buddy Coleman Field at LRCHS c/o Arkansas Community Foundation, 1400 W Markham #206, Little Rock, Ark. 72201 or The Recovery Centers of Arkansas, 14913 Cooper Orbit Rd, Little Rock, Ark. 72223 or Joseph Pfeifer Kiwanis Camp, 5512 Ferndale Cut Off Rd, Little Rock, Ark. 72223 or Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church, 4823 Woodlawn Dr., Little Rock, Ark. 72223. Online obituary at www.SmithFamilyCares.com.