Billie E. Coleman

</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[Billie E. Coleman, 80, of Du Quoin, passed away at 6:05 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 25, 2008, at the Friendship Manor Nursing Home in Nashville.

Billie retired as a chief master sergeant from the United States Air Force. He served during the Korean War and Vietnam. He had also been a veteran of the U.S. Navy during World War II. Billie served 26 years and six months in the Navy and Air Force. He was an avid fisherman.

He was born May 2, 1927, at Rockhouse, Ky., the son of Stanley and Mary (Fraley) Coleman.

He married Mary L. Dean on Jan. 17, 1950, at Scott Field, and she survives.

He is survived by his wife of Du Quoin; seven children, Dennis Coleman of Du Quoin, Marilyn Norris and husband Ed of Springfield, Ill., Elizabeth Davis and husband Ed of Mt. Carmel, Ill., Jeffrey Coleman of Du Quoin, Terry Coleman and wife Tautchia of Pinckneyville, Jerry Coleman and wife Rachael of Du Quoin, and Christopher Coleman and wife Donna of Du Quoin; two brothers, Dan Coleman of Danville, Va., and Roger Coleman of Kentucky; one sister, Marie Barker of Kentucky; 14 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Billie E. Coleman Jr.,; one granddaughter, Amy Davis and four brothers.

Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 28, at Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin.

Per Mr. Coleman's request, cremation services will be held after the visitation.

Friends may make memorials to the Alzheimer's Association or to the Marion VA Hospital and will be accepted at the funeral home.

For additional information or to sign the memorial guest register, please visit www.searbyfuneralhomes.com.