Obituary of Coleman Goatley

Goatley, Coleman, 89, of Palm Bay, FL, passed away on Saturday, April 25, 2017. Coleman was born in Tell City, Indiana in 1927. He attended Central High School at Evansville, Indiana. Upon graduation, he entered the Navy where he served as a Midshipman, USN, while in training. He then served as a commissioned officer after receiving “Wings of Gold” as a designated Naval Aviator. He graduated Optime Merens from the University of the South Sewanee, Tennessee, with a BS Degree in Physics. He married the love of his life, Jane, in 1949. Coleman was active in ballastics measurements and analysis while employed by International Harvester Company. He was later employed by Melpar, Inc., at Falls Church, Virginia, where he worked on microwave research programs. During that time, he published several papers on microwave antenna design involving optical principles. He was active in the Institute of Radio Engineers and was instrumental in forming a Chapter of the Professional Group on Antennas and Propagation in Washington, DC. While living in Virginia he served in elective office and published a newspaper. Coleman and Jane lived in the Melbourne area for over 57 years. When he first moved to Melbourne he worked for Radiation, Inc., and Harris Corporation as marketing manager for RF Systems during the early period when the company developed ground stations for satellite communications. He later became engaged in business activities related to insurance, real estate and finance. Over the years, Coleman was very active in community affairs in the Melbourne area. He worked with the Brevard County School Board to establish a library at Meadowlane School that also served as a community Public Library. He has held licenses as an amateur radio operator and commercial pilot. Professional licenses held include insurance, real estate, mortgage broker and general securities broker. For several years, he worked to assist schools and churches in purchasing and financing land and facilities. One of his favorite projects involved the development of the Odyssey Charter School of Palm Bay, FL. He held the position of Vice President of Bayside Lakes Development Corporation. Coleman also served on Advisory Boards for the City of Palm Bay and Palm Bay Community Hospital. He was a loving husband and father who touched many lives with his generosity of service to his family, friends and neighbors. Coleman is survived by his three sons, Steve, Bob, Tom; and their wives Susan, Donna and Michelle. He was blessed with six grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and five nieces and nephews. We are comforted by knowing that you and Jane are together again watching over all of us. Promise us you won’t try to drive God’s chariots in Heaven . . . we’ve seen you drive Top Goat! Arrangements by Ammen Family Cremation and Funeral Care, Melbourne, FL. A service will be held on Monday, May 8th, at the Cape Canaveral National Cemetery a 10:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Odyssey Charter School in Palm Bay, FL. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Odyssey Charter School in Palm Bay, FL.