Martin W.  Coleman

Martin W. Coleman, 73, passed away on April 24, 2015 in Independence, MO. Martin was born in Madill in Marshall County, Oklahoma, on June 2, 1941. He was the youngest of four children born to Chester and Kathryn Coleman. He graduated from Madill High School in 1959. During high school Martin enlisted in the National Guard and he continued that service until 1992, retiring as a Colonel. He attended Murray State College in Tishomingo, OK for two years. In 1960, he married Evelyn Bartee. They moved to Stillwater, OK the following year. Martin graduated from Oklahoma State University in 1964 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. After graduation Martin took a job with Allis Chalmers. He started in Springfield, IL; then transferred to Independence, MO in 1968. Martin worked for Allis Chalmers and its successor ownership until he retired in 1998. While in Independence the family was active in First Baptist Church with Martin serving in many capacities including Deacon, Sunday School Director, and Assistant Moderator. Martin was elected to the Independence City Council in 1986, having also served on the Municipal Utilities Board. During retirement Martin and Evelyn were active members of Noland Road Baptist Church and participated in disaster relief projects after Hurricane Katrina and other natural disasters. He also participated in various renovation projects at the church. Martin is survived by his wife Evelyn of 55 years, daughters Cindy Midgorden (Mark) and Susan Harris (Ian). Surviving grandchildren are Jonathan Midgorden (Victoria), Sarah Midgorden, Claire Harris, Michael Harris, and Fiona Harris. Also surviving are his brother, Jerry Coleman, sister Alice Bruster, many nieces and nephews, and extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Chester and Kathryn Coleman and oldest brother, R. C. Coleman. A visitation will be held from 5-7:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 3, at Noland Road Baptist Church in Independence. A memorial service will be at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, May 4, at Noland Road Baptist Church. Burial will be in Madill, Oklahoma. Memorial contributions may be made to Noland Road Baptist Church, Attention: Missions, 4505 S. Noland Rd, Independence, MO 64055, or to Multiple Systems Atrophy research at The Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. The address for research donations is Mayo Foundation, Attention: Phillip A. Low, MD, 200 First SW, Rochester, MN 55905. Martin has generously donated brain and spinal cord tissue for MSA research at Mayo. Online condolences may be expressed at www.speakschapel.com (Arrangements: Speaks Suburban Chapel 816-373-3600)