Obituary of Donald Brooks Coleman

Donald Brooks Coleman, 89 years, passed away on March 1, 2024, in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina.

Don was born to Nova Lee and Brooks Coleman in Russellville, KY, on June 18, 1934. He graduated from High School in Central City, KY, where he played varsity basketball and tennis.  He earned his bachelor’s degree at Union University in Jackson, TN, where he served as President of the Student Body.  He went on to earn his master’s degree and Doctorate in Mathematics from Purdue University, in Lafayette, Indiana. He taught as an Associate Professor at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN and served as a Professor of Mathematics at the University of Kentucky for 30 years, during which time he worked with the College of Education to collaborate with elementary and middle school teachers from around the state of Kentucky to improve teaching techniques for better understanding of Mathematics.

He became an avid tennis player, often ranked in the top 5 in his age group in both singles and doubles in Kentucky.   He loved the University of Kentucky Wildcats and was a season ticket holder for many years.  He enjoyed camping and hiking, especially in the Smokey Mountains.

He married Sarah Louise Moore in 1954, and they raised four children.  In 1997 they retired to Hilton Head Island, SC.   He became a member of the Palmetto Dunes Tennis and Racquet Club and joined the Big Dogs men’s tennis group at Palmetto Dunes where he made many good friends.

He was preceded in death by his sons Stephen Edwin Coleman and Joseph Moore Coleman, his wife, Sarah, and his sister Claudia Coleman Gatewood.

He is survived by his wife Janie Weeks Coleman, his son Robert Coleman, his daughter Kathy Coleman Coots, granddaughters Brooke Coots and Jennifer Coots, and Great

Grandchildren Brentley Bunton and Layla Bunton.

A service to honor Don’s life will be held at 2:00 on April 4, at the Island Funeral Home. Donations can be made in his memory to The Boys and Girls Club of Hilton Head Island where he tutored kids after school. Islandfuneralhome.com