Donald “Rusty” Coleman Jr. was born on January 22, 1957, in Memphis, Tennessee, the son of the late Donald Deming Coleman, Sr. and Martha Sue Schaeffer Coleman.
Donald “Rusty” graduated from Dyersburg State Community College, earning his Associate Degree in Criminal Justice. He pursued a career in law enforcement, having achieved his certification at the Tennessee Law Enforcement Training Academy (TLETA) in Donelson, Tennessee. He proudly served as a police officer in Middleton, Grand Junction, and Trimble, Tennessee. He also worked as a Park Ranger. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Counce and the Sons of the American Revolution.
Donald was a true Pickwick historian. He loved nature and wildlife, and enjoyed boating and fishing, especially going on long distance river boating trips with his friend, Scott Edwards, who is also a long-time nature enthusiast.
Donald “Rusty” Coleman Jr. departed this life on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, in Savannah, Tennessee, at the age of 69 years, 1 month, and 17 days.
Donald is survived by his sister, Virginia Sue Coleman Smith (Gene); niece, Rebecca Smith Cobo (Mario); nephews, Eric Coleman Smith (Candace), and Joseph Schaeffer Smith (Julie); great nieces and nephews, Isaac Cobo, Sofia Cobo, Roman Cobo, Erika Cobo, Jordan Cobo, Coleman Smith, Crockett Smith, Clarabelle Smith, and Robin Smith.
In addition to his parents, Donald was preceded in death by his sister, DeLayne Duke Coleman, and his grandparents, Gus Elmer Coleman, Virginia Deming Coleman, Joe Henry Schaeffer, and Mattie Sue Randolph Schaeffer.
