Ernest Robert "Buddy" Coleman's Obituary
Ernest Robert “Buddy” Coleman, surrounded by family he loved so deeply, peacefully went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Monday, December 22, 2025.
Buddy was born on May 6, 1936, in Fort Smith, Arkansas, to Emanuel Dorsey and Cora Coleman. He graduated from Fort Smith High School in 1953 and later earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy and Business Administration from Ouachita Baptist University in 1961. He was the founder of ERC Properties and Rausch Coleman Homes.
While he had a great passion for work, his love for his family and church was evident throughout his life. He taught Sunday school for many years and loved spending weekends at “The Farm” with his children and grandchildren. He leaves behind a legacy of faith, generosity, mentorship, and service.
Buddy is survived by his beloved wife, Lynn D. Coleman; his children Ernest Robert “Rod” Coleman Jr. and Kathy of Fort Smith, Patti and Fred Rausch of Springdale, and Ashley Dover of Fayetteville; his sister Cathy Colley. He is survived by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren who he was lovingly referred to as “Pop”. His grandchildren: Ernest Robert “Rob” Coleman III and wife Jessica of Rogers; Elizabeth Coleman Voris and husband Justin of Fort Smith; John Robert Rausch and wife Ashley of Fayetteville; Mollie Rausch Lieux and husband Stephen of Fayetteville; Skyler Wayne Bieker and Delilah Jane Bieker of Fayetteville; and his great grandchildren Preston Robert Coleman, Anna Scarlett Coleman, Katherine Rebekah Voris, Coleman David Voris, Abigail Elise Voris, John Henry Rausch, John William “Jack” Rausch, Margaret Rose Rausch, Caroline Louise Lieux, and William Thomas Lieux. He was preceded in death by his parents, and his sisters Lori Anderson and Jenny Davis.
The celebration of life service will be Wednesday, January 21, 2026 at 11am at Cross Church in Springdale, Arkansas. The family will visit with family and friends from 9:30-10:45am.
In lieu of flowers and plants, the family ask that donations be made to Union Christian Academy, 4201 Windsor Drive, Fort Smith, Arkansas 72904 or online at https://www.unioneagles.org.
To sign the online guest book please visit https://www.bernafuneralhomes.com
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