Leo Coleman

Leo Garnett Coleman, 90, peacefully passed away on Sunday, February 2, 2025 at his home in Wendell, Idaho.

Leo was born on November 21, 1934, at the home of his grandparents, Manuel and Grace Porter, in the little community of Orchard Valley on the outskirts of Wendell, to Frank Almond and Emma Adaline (Porter) Coleman.

Leo often said that 1955 was the most important year of his life. He graduated from Wendell High School, enlisted in the Marine Corps, married the love of his life, Eleanor Lorine Paine, and celebrated the birth of his firstborn son.

Over the next twenty years, they celebrated the birth of two more sons and two daughters. They traveled extensively due to his career in the Marine Corps and Leo served two tours in Vietnam.

He retired from active duty in 1975 as a Staff Sergeant with various military awards, including the Navy Achievement Medal with Valor. They then moved back to his hometown, where he served another ten years as a Reserve Marine. He retired from his service in the Marines on June 1, 1985.

To pass the time, and for his social needs, he started a business repairing small engines in Wendell. Social interaction was important to him and he loved being part of the Wendell community. He was involved in both the Wendell Optimist Club and the Gooding Historical Society. He was also involved with various train clubs. Model trains were his passion, and he often dragged his children on trips to various old train stations, so he could take multiple pictures and measurements with the intent of building miniature versions of them.

In addition to raising five children, he and his wife opened up their hearts and their home to foster children. He often thought about them in later years and hoped they were doing well.

Leo is survived by his sister - Ilene Coleman Rounsefell; his children - Thomas Alan of California, Scott Lynn, Lionel Jonn, Athena Kay Lopez, and Brenda Marie DeNaughel all of Idaho; 18 grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren and 1 great, great, grandchild.

He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Eleanor; his brother, Rick; his sister, Marie and his granddaughter, April.

A memorial graveside service will be held at the Wendell Cemetery on Saturday, April 26, 2025 at 2:00 pm. A remembrance will be held immediately following at the Wendell American Legion Hall.

Funeral arrangements are under the care and direction of Demaray Funeral Service - Wendell Chapel

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Leo Coleman, please visit our floral store.