Donnie Walker Coleman Sr. of Buena Vista went to be with his Heavenly Father on March 14, 2025, at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital. He was born in Lexington on April 29, 1951, to Jim and Evelyn Coleman.

Donnie Sr. was preceded in death by both his parents; his wife Marilyn (Wallace) Coleman, the love of his life for 52 years; and brother-in-law Dean Kirchoffer. 

He is survived and missed by his sisters Sheila Campbell (Greg Sr.) of Buena Vista, and Donna Kirchoffer of Hodgensville, Ky.; sons, David Simpson (Jeanette) of Evans, Ga., and Donnie Coleman Jr. (Dawn) of McGaheysville; sister-in-law Debbie Mutispaugh (Ross) of Stafford; grandchildren Kristen Simpson, Brooke Coleman, Breanna Coleman, and Connor Simpson; many nieces and nephews; and great nieces and great nephews.

He was an avid fisherman, sports enthusiast, and loved to be outdoors. Donnie Sr. couldn’t wait for trout season to roll around to spend endless hours on the bank of any river he could find.  In the fall, he could be found under the Friday night lights supporting the Fighting Blues, the East Rockingham Eagles, or the Turner Ashby Knights.  In the spring, he loved to sit in his chair in the outfields at softball games with his trusty Coleman cooler by his side. One of his most cherished things to do was to spend time with his family at the beach.

Donnie Sr. has left a legacy that will be unmatched. Those who knew Donnie Sr. knew how much he loved Marilyn, his grandchildren, and his Lord and Savior.  He was an active member of Blue Ridge Baptist Church and loved to serve others through helping them anyway he was able. He could effortlessly turn any stranger into a friend. He will never know how many lives he touched and will be missed by all who knew him.

Family night will be held at Bolling Grose & Lotts Funeral Home in Buena Vista on Wednesday, March 19, from 5 to 7 p.m.  A celebration of life will be held at Bolling Grose & Lotts Funeral Home on Thursday, March 20, at 11 a.m. with interment following at Green Hill Cemetery in Buena Vista.  Family and friends are invited to join in a meal at Blue Ridge Baptist Church for fellowship after the interment.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Blue Ridge Baptist Church, 159 E. 11th St., Buena Vista, VA 24416 and/or Leader Dogs for the Blind, 1039 S. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, MI48307, www.leaderdog.org/donate.

Arrangements are being handled by Bolling, Grose, & Lotts Funeral Home and Cremation Services.