Sgt. David Preston Coleman

Sgt. David Preston Coleman, of Fredericksburg, (known as Preston to all who loved him) at the young age of 34, was called home to heaven by his savior, the Lord God, Thursday, Oct. 30, 2003.

Preston was a proud sergeant in the U.S. Marine Corps stationed at Quantico, with the Marine Corps Band. The pride and honor which he felt in serving his beloved county is a tribute to his unconditional and unwavering love for America and her people. For those who knew and loved Preston (for to know him was to love him), we have suffered a most terrible and devastating loss. But for those who never knew him, their loss is even greater. Preston was an exemplary man in every way. His kindness toward people and his genuine affinity for them was not bound by the limitations of a mere mortal. Preston was so much more than the human body that housed his dynamic spirit and loving soul. He was not perfect, but he was unearthly in his goodness. To never have known him; to never have experienced his smile or one of his embraces; to never have had the pleasure of hearing him play the trumpet like the master that he was or hearing his laugh echo throughout a room is to never have know the full warmth of the sun or that place at the end of a rainbow. But for those of us who were blessed enough to be graced with his presence in our lives, the birds sang sweeter and the sun shone brighter. Now, with his absence, the birds seem so quiet and the sky seems to gray.

Preston, born and raised in Lynchburg, was not just a dedicated Marine. He was a cherished son and grandson, an adored and irreplaceable husband, a worshipped daddy and an uncommonly loved brother. He was so much to so many, and we are at a loss as to how to make a life without him.

He is survived and mourned by his faithful wife of almost 10 years, Teri (Wicks) Coleman and their two precious daughters, Caty-Scarlett and Presleigh Coleman. It was for his wife and children that he lived and breathed. Other survivors include his devoted parents, Tom and Phyllis Coleman of Lynchburg, his revered grandfather, David Phipps of Madison Heights; his two treasured brothers, Andy Coleman and Matt Coleman, also of Lynchburg; and his dear nieces and nephews, including Landry and Reagan Coleman, Chase Goff and Matthew and April Wicks.
Preston and his family joyfully attended Highway Assembly of God for the past two years while he was stationed in this area. Therefore, a funeral service will be held Wednesday, Nov. 5, at 10 a.m. at Highway Assembly of God in Fredericksburg. After the church service, mourners may join the funeral procession to Quantico National Cemetery, where he will be buried in a military ceremony. A reception will follow back at the church.

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