WILLIAM COLEMAN SR.

ANNA, Ill. -- William M. Coleman Sr., 83, of Anna died Sunday, June 8, 1997, at his home, following a lingering illness.

He was born Feb. 25, 1914, in Chicago, son of Cornelius and Elizabeth Kelly Coleman. He and Helen Novak were married in 1942.

Coleman resided in Kankakee County 40 years. He worked as an electrician for the New York Central Railroad, Roper Corp., Kankakee School District, and several years at Manteno State Hospital.

He was active in International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and served as secretary of his local. He was a member of Knights of Columbus in Kankakee. He moved to Anna in 1995, and was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church.

Survivors include his wife; two daughters, Mary Coleman of Bloomington, Laura Coleman of Memphis, Tenn.; six sons, William Coleman Jr. of Anna, John Coleman of North Chicago, Lawrence Coleman of Kankakee, Neil Coleman of Buncombe, James Coleman of Cary, N.C., Jerry Coleman of Daytona Beach, Fla.; 12 grandchildren; and three foster grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, and two brothers.

Friends may call at Crain Funeral Home in Anna from 5-8 p.m. Wednesday.

Funeral Mass will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at St. Mary's Church, with the Rev. Tom Miller officiating. Burial will be in Anna Cemetery.