Dennis J Coleman

Dennis J. Coleman, 80 years old, died on June 25, 2024. He passed away peacefully with his daughter Angie and son Brian holding his hand. Dennis was born in Tacoma, WA on November 9th,1943 to Ross and Clara Coleman. He first lived on Mckinley Ave in Tacoma during his elementary school years. Afterwards, his family moved to a small farm in Eatonville, where he remained until he graduated in 1962 from Eatonville High School. During high school Dennis participated in activities including football, track/field, and FFA.

After high school, Dennis attended Centralia Junior College where he received an associate degree and placed third place at state for shotput. Following Centralia JC, he attended Clover Park Technical College. He was a rising star in their Radio and Television program, where he received a second associate degree. While at Cover Park, Dennis built up a large following hosting a blues radio hour. This is where he got the nickname “DJ Coleman” and engaged in radio interviews with famous musicians including James Brown, plus Ike and Tina Turner. After college, Dennis worked a variety of jobs and actively served in the Coast Guard reserves patrolling the Pacific Ocean during the Vietnam War.

Eventually, Dennis worked as a teamster at Pacific Storage alongside his father. Soon after, he met Kathleen “Kathy” Heinrick and they were married on September 4th, 1970. Together they purchased their first home in Tacoma and welcomed daughter Angie. Then in 1974, they built a new home in Gig Harbor and son Brian was born. After twenty-five plus years at Pacific Storage, he started a new career as a bus driver for Kitsap Transit. He genuinely loved his job there and touched the lives of the riders and co-workers for over 20 years. Dennis retired in 2010, after finally receiving driver of the year. Dennis spent his remaining years at his home in Gig Harbor and especially enjoyed spending quality time with his friends, family, and grandchildren.

Dennis loved people from all “walks of life” and enjoyed being involved in his community. He was also a devout Christian and an active member at Peninsula Lutheran Church. He had a passion for music and was drummer in both the Tacoma/Seattle musician’s unions. Over his 50 years of playing, he engaged in country, jazz, bluegrass, polka, and worship bands. Dennis especially loved the blues and dancing with his wife Kathy. He also enjoyed outdoor hobbies, including fishing, cutting wood, or just walking the trails on the family farm in Eatonville.

Dennis is survived by daughter Angela Barkhouse, son Brian Coleman, and stepdaughter Mary Hagen. His grandchildren Abe Coleman, Iris Coleman, and Victor Campbell. Plus, several nieces/nephews, and numerous cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister Joann Coleman.

There will be a public viewing at Gaffney’s funeral home in Tacoma on Friday July 5th from 11am-1pm. Immediately following, there will be a graveside burial in Gig Harbor at the Artondale Cemetery at 2pm. In addition, a Celebration of Life service will be held later this summer at Peninsula Lutheran Church in Gig Harbor with more details to follow.