Richard L. Coleman Jr.

In the early morning hours of April 22, 2023, Richard L. Coleman, Jr. passed away at Community Hospital of Anaconda in Anaconda, Montana. He ultimately passed away due to complications related to a previously acquired traumatic brain injury.  

Richard was born in St. Louis, Missouri on September 24, 1957. He was the eldest child and only son of Richard L. Coleman Sr and Betty Jean Coleman (Honea).  

Early in life Richard moved to Idaho due to his father’s desire to attend Northwest Nazarene University. Shortly after his father reached his goal of becoming a minister, Richard Sr and Betty were both sadly killed when an improperly marked, speeding train collided with their vehicle during a blizzard. Richard was only 8 years old at the time of this great loss. Richard had 3 younger sisters Jeri Lynn, Donna, and Cindy who were 6, 4, and 1 year old at the time. Richard would go on to live with various family members until adulthood. 

Richard attended Northwest Nazarene University following in his father’s footsteps but left before graduating to pursue his passion of sales. He went on to become a very successful salesman. This journey landed him in Casper, Wyoming where he resided for most of his life. In the early 1990s he started his own janitorial business named Excalibur. His business provided him the opportunity to become a “Master of the Custodial Arts” and to offer others a second chance at life. Richard actively sought out individuals who needed help getting back on their feet and offered them employment opportunities. He even went so far as to open his home to some employees who needed a roof over their head.  

Aside from attaining his goal of becoming “Rich- Owner” of his own business, Richard took great pride in being a father. Much of his drive in his adult life centered around being a father. JoAnna L. Coleman was born in October of 1984 and Richard Maverick Coleman was born in October of 1994. Richard also adopted his stepdaughter, Danielle. He never missed a school function. He was always willing to be the taxi no matter how busy he was with work. He always did his best to make sure his children were taken care of and successful.  

Richard loved movies, music, and line/swing dancing. He spent much of his adult life working the 12 Steps in NA, AA, and Al Anon. He was also active in church and his faith. He loved spending time with family, especially his children. It was important to Richard to give back to the community. He could spend hours telling jokes and he loved to make people laugh.  

In 2008 Richard unfortunately acquired a traumatic brain injury as a result of a bacterial infection. This changed the entire trajectory of his life. He relocated to Montana to be closer to family. His remaining years were spent devoted to his faith in God and living the 12 Steps.  

Richard was preceded in death by his parents Reverend Richard L. Coleman Sr and Betty Jean Coleman (Honea), his sisters Jeri Lynn Coleman and Cynthia Price, his nephew Trevor Parsons, and his daughter JoAnna’s mother Laura Coleman.  

Richard is survived by his eldest daughter and best friend JoAnna Parks (Coleman), son Maverick Coleman, stepdaughter Danielle Buckley, sister Donna Kurk (Coleman), and half-sister Dixie Burch.  

Richard wished to be laid to rest with his parents in Rock Springs, Wyoming. A memorial service will be held in September 2023. Details will be announced when arrangements are complete.  

Please visit the side bar or below to offer the family a condolence or share a memory of Richard.

Longfellow Finnegan Riddle Funeral Home and Cremation Services has been privileged to care for Richard and his family.