PEORIA, Ariz. — Harold "Hal" Burt Coleman, 92, died Sept. 27, 2015 in Peoria, Arizona, of acute myeloid leukemia. Hal was born in Boyne City on Dec. 14, 1922, an only child of Erie and Harold Coleman.
He attended the University of Michigan until World War II interrupted his schooling. In the military as a combat infantryman he earned three Purple Hearts, a Bronze Star, a Silver Star and a Presidential Citation. After the war he completed his education earning a master's degree in math and physics, an MBA and a PhD.
Hal began his long career as an aerospace engineer specializing in missile and space guidance and aviation systems. In this capacity he designed the guidance rockets for the Apollo Space Craft. He also directed and developed systems for air to surface missiles, cruise missiles and other defensive missiles. In the early 1970s he began working with the DOT and the FAA and worked with these governmental programs for the next 29 years.
Hal is survived by his wife, Marlyn Derby-Coleman; daughters, Patricia Coleman and Jayne (Michael) Johnson; son, William (Barbara) Coleman; four grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Margaret Coleman; and daughter, Peggy Anne Coleman.
A funeral service took place at 2 p.m. Friday, Oct. 2, 2015 at PebbleCreek's Eagle's Nest Golf Club, 3645 Clubhouse Drive, Goodyear, AZ 85395. A service will also be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2015 at Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home, 305 Sixth St., Traverse City, MI 49684. Interment will be in Oakwood Cemetery, Traverse City.