Ronald Dennis Coleman

Ronald Dennis Coleman, age 77, passed away peacefully at home Tuesday, July 26th, 2022, surrounded by his family. He was born February 17, 1945, in Bartow, FL to Dennis and Analda Coleman. Known by his friends as Ronnie, he graduated from Summerlin Academy in 1965 and joined the Marine Corps. Ronnie served in the Marines from 1965 to 1968. Ronnie had a lengthy career with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office as a Deputy from 1977-2001. In the final years of his career, he worked in the Agriculture Unit. As an outdoorsman, this was his dream job. Ronnie loved everything outdoors. He was an avid hunter and fisherman and could always be found on a lake or in the woods. He also enjoyed traveling and gardening. Ronnie met the love of his life, Frances, in 1968 and they were married in 1970. They have 2 devoted children, Dennis and Julianne. Ronnie was the ultimate father, never missing a football or softball game as his children grew up. They spent summers traveling the United States in a pop-up camper visiting National Parks and camp sites. To his friends, he was Ronnie, but to his family he was Papa. He would tell you being Papa was the greatest accomplishment of his life. He spent years hunting, fishing, watching horse shows and baseball games as he followed his grandchildren's hobbies. He might have been quiet in the woods but could always be heard in the stands. Papa is survived by his wife of 52 years of marriage, Frances Coleman of Bartow, his son Dennis Coleman and his wife Jennifer Coleman of Lakeland, his daughter Julianne Dunham and her husband Nate Dunham of Lakeland, his grandchildren, Trenton Coleman, Luke Coleman, Leah Dunham and Coleman “Cole” Dunham, his sister Shirley Register and her husband Gary Register of Jacksonville and his 3 nieces, Cindy Lackey, Kim Register and Shannon Gray. The family will receive friends from 2-4 pm on July 31st at Whidden-McLean Funeral Home in Bartow. A mass will be held at Resurrection Catholic Church in Lakeland on August 1st at 11:00am. A burial service will follow immediately at Wildwood Cemetery in Bartow. Condolences to family at www.whiddenmcleanfuneralhome.com