Henry Gene Coleman passed away peacefully at his home in Santa Clara, Utah, on Nov. 24, 2023, just a month shy of his 90th birthday, due to complications of cancer against which he had bravely fought a 19-year battle.
Gene was born in Logan, Utah, the third of five boys born to Henry and Alta Coleman. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Val and Merrit Coleman, former spouse Joan, a grandson and two great-grandchildren. He is survived by his wife Lesetta; two former spouses and numerous children and step-children as follows: wife Lesetta – children: Doug (Connie) Eck, Kenny (Wendy) Eck, Deon (Ken) Mayhew; former (deceased) wife Joan Dance Coleman – children: Susan (Rob) Miles, Judy (Steve) Close, Douglas (Peggy) Dance, Marilyn (Steve) Ostler, Robert (Darlene) Dance; former wife Luzon Bryner – children: Michelle (Pat) Williams, Jacqui (Jeff) Deem; former wife Thelma Falslev – children: Kelly (Cheryl) Coleman, Kevin (Tamara) Coleman, Kerry (KarolJean) Coleman, Kim (Tammy) Coleman, Kami (Steve) South. Gene is also survived by 52 grandchildren, 125 great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild and two brothers Quinn (Mary) and Randy (ReNae) Coleman.
Gene grew up in Smithfield, Utah, and attended Cache County schools, graduating from North Cache High School in 1952. He was an accomplished musician, performing in several school musicals and events and later attending one year at Utah State University on a music scholarship. During that time, he formed a dance band that performed all over Cache Valley, in numerous venues around the state and into Idaho and Wyoming. He could play many musical instruments, including guitar (probably his favorite), piano, trumpet, bass fiddle, clarinet and others.
In 1956 he joined the Logan City Fire Department where he worked for just over 27 years. He also simultaneously worked as a building engineer at the Sunshine Terrace Skilled Nursing and Rehab Center in Logan, from which he retired in 1988 after 31 years. He also served 10 years in the U.S. Army Reserve during this time.
One of his trademark characteristics was being a very hard worker. He could never really “retire,”, demonstrated by his “post-retirement” 15 combined years working at Hurst General Store and Kmart in St George, Utah, and at Duck Creek campground for 10 years, where he and Lesetta were camp hosts and did maintenance on the facilities. They loved spending time together in their fifth-wheel trailer at beautiful venues throughout Utah, Idaho and Nevada. They also enjoyed many hours of riding in the desert and mountains on their 4-wheelers or in their side-by-side, especially when they could involve extended family or their camping and riding groups where they developed many cherished friendships.
People who knew him can attest that Gene knew how to fix just about anything, even if it required a customized work-around solution. His shops, garage and home were always precisely organized with functionality being a top priority. He always knew where he put something and could find it immediately when needed. He was extremely thrifty and meticulously planned in a manner that allowed him and Lesetta to comfortably spend much time together enjoying many camping and other experiences.
Gene served in various church callings throughout his life and especially enjoyed many years teaching and molding young men in scouting. He and Lesetta were privileged to serve in the St George Temple for several years. They have influenced many lives and made many lifelong friends along their journey together.
As we celebrate Gene’s life, we try to not cry because it’s over but rather to smile because it happened and we were privileged to be a part of it. Thank you husband, father, grandfather and friend for the life lessons and the precious memories … until we meet again.
The family extends its deepest gratitude to the very special Intermountain Health Care hospice nurses and aides who provided so much love, compassion and care so Gene could be at home with his family. Also, a very special thanks to Susan Smith who gently and lovingly helped the family through Dad’s last critical hours at home.
A brief graveside service will be held Friday, Dec. 1, at 1 p.m. at the Smithfield City Cemetery, 300 E Center St. There will be no other viewings or services.
Arrangements are under the care of Metcalf Mortuary, (435) 673-4221. Visit the Metcalf Mortuary website for condolences, complete obituary and funeral listings.