Treasures from Darkness: Losing Much and Gaining it All

This is a blog post by a blogger friend of mine who has struggled with mental illness for much of her life. She is a deep thinker and has experienced darkness like many of us never will. Click on over and read her thoughts on giving to the Lord. I love what she has to say.


Treasures from Darkness: Losing Much and Gaining it All

A Sad Farewell

Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Chuck was the fourth child of Charles George Coleman, Sr., and Alberta Claney. He graduated from Carnegie Tech and worked as a licensed professional engineer for a number of years.

With the onset of World War II, he served as a naval officer and eventually retired as Captain, USNR. The bulk of his government career was spent as a scientist, sitting on international military committees and serving as head of the verification branch of the U.S. Arms Control and Disarmament Agency.

While Chuck’s government career was impressive, he is perhaps best known for the thirty years he devoted to full-time Christian work. He was a well-loved speaker at camps, youth retreats, and conferences. (In fact, I met my husband at Camp Berea when his dad was the Bible teacher.) Chuck had a gift for explaining the scriptures on any level. His creativity knew no limits; to enhance his teaching, Chuck wrote skits, invented games and activities, and even composed songs to make God’s Word come alive for his audiences. He used the printed word to spread the message as well; in addition to the three published books (The Shining Sword, Song of the Trumpet, and Divine Guidance: That Voice Behind You) Chuck wrote hundreds of magazine articles, devotionals, and poems. He also earned a PhD in Theology from Trinity Theological Seminary.

In addition to his teaching ministry, Chuck was the endorsing agent for military chaplains from the Plymouth Brethren Assemblies. He also counseled many individuals and families back to health with compassion and wisdom. At age 80, Chuck accepted the position of pastor to Countryside Fellowship Church in Laurel, MD. He served the church for several years, then assumed the role of pastor emeritus, continuing his support and teaching until disabled by a stroke in 2005.

Chuck was happily married to Katherine Elizabeth Pfaff for 61 years. They have three children, Linda, Steven, and Rebecca, as well as six grandchildren: Adam, Daniel, Melanie, and Joseph Coleman, and William and Linda Neil. Chuck also recently welcomed two great-grandsons into the world: Stephen and Jonathan Coleman.

He will be remembered best by his family as a loving and wise father with a wonderful sense of humor. His love for and dedication to the Lord were an example to all who knew him. There is no doubt in my mind that he was greeted at heaven’s gates with the words “Well done, my good and faithful servant.” The life he lived was inspired by two of his favorite verses: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:7-8

Today we bid farewell, but not forever. We know that one day we will all be reunited at the throne of God. Knowing he has gone on before us makes that hope all the more sweet.

The funeral home has a website which gives the service schedule, obituary, guest book, and a photo gallery. You can go there by clicking here.