CLAUDE, Coleman

Claude (Joe) Gary Coleman, Jr., age 95, passed away in the care of his family and home nursing assistance in Ocean City, MD on June 21, 2021, following health complications from a stroke. Joe and his wife Mary (Betty— passed away in June 2015) had made Ocean City their retirement home in 1998. They had relocated from Parkville, MD in Baltimore County, where they had lived for most of their lives and raised six children.

Joe was born in February 1926 in Augusta, Georgia, the son of Claude Gary Coleman and Annie Lee Smith, who later divorced. Joe leaves behind four surviving children (Mary, Joseph, Ann, and Thomas), eight grandchildren, and twelve great-grandchildren. He also is survived by his brother, Krozer Early. In addition to his wife, he is preceded in death by his son John (2003) and Elizabeth (2015). Joe was a distinguished WWII combat veteran as a bombardier on a dive bomber serving aboard the USS Yorktown.

The Burbage Funeral Home in Berlin, MD is handling his body’s cremation, per Joe’s wishes. His ashes will be laid to rest at a future private celebration of life memorial ceremony.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Joe’s name to Coastal Hospice (https://coastalhospice.org) or to the USS Yorktown Foundation (https://ussyorktownfoundation.org), both 501 (C) 3 charitable organizations.

Letters of condolence may be sent via the Burbage Funeral Home (https://burbagefuneralhome.com), 108 William Street, Berlin, MD 21811.