Jeffery Dale Coleman

Jeffery Dale Coleman was born on November 22, 1963, in Houston, Missouri, to James and Selma (Hinkle) Coleman.

Jeff spent his early years in Newburg, Missouri, where he attended school and graduated from Newburg High School in 1982. One of his proudest accomplishments during his high school years was earning a starting position on the state basketball team as a freshman.

Jeff was never one to enjoy sitting behind a desk or spending his days buried in books. He preferred working with his hands, solving problems, and figuring out how things worked. His natural mechanical ability led him to pursue vocational training, earning certifications in Heating and Air Conditioning and later expanding his skills into electrical work.

Throughout his career, Jeff worked for several companies in mechanical and electrical positions. His work allowed him to travel across the country and experience many different places along the way. He finished his career as a Union Electrician working out of I.B.E.W. 124 Kansas City.

Mechanically inclined and competitive by nature, Jeff developed a passion for working on old cars. That passion eventually grew into building and racing cars, ranging from midgets to vintage racers, and modifieds. Always on the lookout for parts, supplies, and a good bargain, Jeff loved making a trade and earned the nickname “Trader Jeff.”

Jeff experienced many accomplishments during his years in racing, with one of his proudest moments being a victory at the I-70 Dirt Track.

After stepping away from racing, Jeff discovered another competitive passion—golf. He enjoyed playing in local, regional, and national tournaments and became deeply involved in the game. His love for golf eventually led him to serve as the Tour Director for the U.S. AmTour Kansas City.

For approximately 18 years, Jeff was the Head Popper for Poppin' J's Kettle Korn. He was well known for his popcorn-making skills and traveled to festivals and events across the region, sharing his delicious kettle corn and enjoying the people and communities he met along the way.

Jeff married Shirley Forbes in 1984. From that marriage, two daughters were born, Ashley Campbell and Sara Silva. In 1994, Jeff married Jacqueline Dorrell. Together, they welcomed their daughter, Daija, whom Jeff adored and proudly supported as her biggest fan. Through Daija, Jeff and his family learned valuable lessons about inclusion and the importance of seeing and celebrating the unique gifts in every person.

Jeff will be remembered for his competitive spirit, mechanical talent, love of a good deal, and the many passions he pursued throughout his life. Whether he was working on a race car, competing on the golf course, making kettle corn, or searching for his next great deal, Jeff approached life with determination and enthusiasm. Most importantly, he will be remembered by those who loved him and the memories they shared with him.

Jeff passed away on September 5, 2026, at Amberwell Health in Atchison, Kansas, following a long and hard-fought battle with cancer.

Jeff is survived by his daughters, Ashley Campbell (John) of Vienna, Missouri, and Daija Gifford (Garrett) of Atchison, Kansas, Sara Silva (DiaVace) of Industry, Illiniose; six grandchildren and one grandchild on the way; his brothers, Scott Coleman (Mary) of Temple, Texas, and Terry Coleman of Camden Point, Missouri; his sisters, Julie “Sissie” Coleman of House Springs, Missouri, and Angie Manville (Gary) of Dearborn, Missouri; and many special nieces, aunts, uncles, extended family members, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

A celebration of Jeff's life will be held Thursday, September 10, at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Highland, Kansas. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m., followed by a memorial service at 11:00 a.m. Pastor Jerry Petering will officiate. Cremation will follow service with private family inurnment at later date at Highland Cemetery.

Friends may call the funeral home from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Wednesday.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Atchison Golf Club at Bellevue Renovation Fund or the American Cancer Society, sent in care of the funeral home, PO Box 33, Highland 66035.

www.chapeloaksfuneralhome.com

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