Dr. Coolridge Coleman, Jr., local dentist, devoted husband and father, expired on Nov ember 29, 2021, at Methodist Hospital in Houston. Coolridge Coleman and Arnette Gordon Coleman welcomed their firstborn on October 2, 1956, in Hemphill, Texas. Coolridge grew up in Jasper, Texas, along with his sister, Arvis, and his aunt, Barbara. His parents had dreams that he would develop into a man who would make a difference, and their son did not disappoint them.
Coolridge Jr. was a typical boy, always attempting to follow in his dad's footsteps. At an early age, he developed an interest in sports. From his dad, he learned to hunt and fish—two sports he enjoyed the rest of his life. He was a charter member of Fishin' Tradition, an area fishing club. He played both basketball and football at Jasper High School, where he graduated in 1974. He also played with the Commodores, an intramural basketball team he helped organize at the University of Houston, where he graduated in 1977. In later years, he developed a love of golf, which he enjoyed locally as well as at some of Florida's and California's most popular courses. Inspired by his cousin, Dr. Douglas Simmons, Coolridge decided he wanted to be a dentist and enrolled at the University of Texas Dental Branch. Immediately after graduating in 1981, Dr. Coleman opened his solo family dentistry practice and established himself as the beloved "painless dentist," drawing patients from Jasper,
Newton, Sabine, and San Augustine counties. He always put his patients' satisfaction first and established lasting friendships with many. His reputation grew by word of mouth and patient referrals. The dental health of many East and Southeast Texans is better because of Dr. Coleman.
In 1985, Dr. Coleman (Doc) married Linda Wagner, and they enjoyed 36 years together. During that time, Linda was an exceptionally devoted wife and partner; and Coolridge was a generous, kind, and loving husband who cherished their relationship. The couple had one son, Allen Christopher. Doc was a doting father. He developed the same relationship with his son that he had had with his own father. He inspired within Allen the love for athletics, hunting, fishing, horseback riding, and golf. He put forth great effort to provide Allen opportunities to grow into a well-rounded man. He and Allen shared an especially close bond. Doc also shared mutual respect and affection with his in-laws. He became another brother to his wife's siblings and a devoted uncle to their children.
Doc was raised in the Methodist Church. He was baptized at Moore Chapel Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, where he was active throughout his youth and during most of his adulthood. He garnered accolades for various presentations, more specifically, for delivering Black History speeches. He was also a steward for many years before leaving Moore Chapel and uniting with Jasper Circuit Memorial United Methodist Church.
Doc entered public service in 1998 by accepting the chairmanship of the board of directors of Jasper Chamber of Commerce. He was also in frequent demand for speaking engagements at schools, churches, and special functions in nearby communities. He always found the time to serve whenever he was needed. Dr. Coleman was very supportive of community initiatives and charitable causes.
Dr. Coleman leaves to love and cherish his memories his wife, Linda; his son, Allen; his mother, Arnette; his sister, Dr. Arvis Coleman Scott; his aunts, Barbara Gordon-Mathis and Joyce Coleman; his uncles, Franklin Gordon and Thomas Mathis; his sisters-in-law, Kathy Bean and Peggy Williams; his brothers-in-law, Charles Wagner and Ernest Bean. Dr. Coleman will be greatly missed by family, friends, patients, and the greater community of East Texas.