Isaiah "Ike" Eugene Coleman

Isaiah Eugene Coleman (Ike), 81, of Cross Lanes, WV, was born June 18, 1945, in Cabin Creek, WV, to the late John and Alease Smith.

Ike graduated from East Bank High School, and in 1967, he was very proud to receive his bachelor’s degree from Morris Harvey College. His passion for education also continued in his professional career where Ike also earned his Casualty Claims Law Associate’s degree from the Insurance Institute of America (IIA), and a Chartered Property Casualty Underwriters Designation (IIA).

Upon graduating Morris Harvey, Ike was an English teacher for Kanawha County Public Schools. In 1969, Ike left the teaching field, but it always held a piece of his heart. Books were a common gift to the young people in his life, and he always told them: “Get an education. It’s the only thing they can never take from you.”

After teaching, he joined State Farm as an auto claims representative. Ike had a long and illustrious career at State Farm where he was a beloved colleague and mentor to many. He progressed through the company and retired as an auto claims section manager in southern WV with managerial responsibility for 5 claim service offices. At the time of his retirement, he was widely respected in his field and often testified in state court as an insurance industry expert witness. The same commitment to excellence, calming force, and diplomacy that Ike managed his teams with was imparted to his children through the lessons he shared and continues to impact their career success today.

Ike loved listening to jazz and enjoying an occasional Glen Levitt Scotch and fried pork chop. He never missed an opportunity to see his favorite local group—the Bob Thompson Trio.

A proud brother of Omega Psi Phi and Sigman Pi Phi (Boule) Fraternities, he served his community through many activities.

Ike enjoyed sports and played baseball in his youth. In his adult life, he loved both playing and watching golf and spent many sunny days on the links with friends and his son, Ikey. His affinity for sports led him to coach little league soccer and youth basketball; he left an indelible mark on the young people he coached—teaching them x, y, and z.

He loved traveling and visited many places both personally and professionally. Cruising was one of his favorite modes of travel, and he enjoyed visiting Las Vegas and taking on lady luck. Ike loved spending time with his family and especially loved attending the Hunter-Smith family reunions where he got to joke and play cards with all his siblings.

Ike was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Leo, John, Benny, and Clarence; and his sisters, Florine and Alice; and his son-in-law, Robert.

Ike is survived by his wife of 47 years, Tootsie. His memory also lives on in his children, Antoinette, Anitra, Ikey and daughter-in-law, Lindsey; his grandchildren, Austin, Chase, Jordan, Keneisha, Elijah and Malachi; and his siblings, Raymond, Ramona, Alvin, Stephanie and David.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the Valley Center nursing and medical staff for the excellent care and support of Ike.

Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, September 26, 2026, at Grace Bible Church, 600 Kanawha Blvd., West Charleston, WV, 25302 with Pastor Matthew Watts officiating. The family will receive guests one hour prior to the funeral service.

Arrangements are in the care of Keller Funeral Home, Dunbar.

www.kellerfuneralhome.net