Eugene Dale Coleman, born April 29, 1940 in Scotia, passed away peacefully on September 22, 2022 in his home in Orleans. Eugene was a member of the Karuk tribe and a lifelong resident of Humboldt County. Eugene lived most of his life in the Weitchpec and Orleans area, where he and the one and only love of his life of 59 years, Billie Sue, raised six children.

Like most men in the area, Eugene started working in the woods and would soon find his passion of driving truck. Eugene would be known to be one of the best when it came to hauling a load of logs off the hill, he would drive truck for over 50-plus years before finally retiring at the age of 80 years young.

Another skill which he would hand down was the art of eel basket making and stripping the eels, an art he would pass down to his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Eugene loved to sit with friends and family and tell stories. You knew he was ready to tell a joke by watching his eyes and then a little twitch he made with his lip, you knew it was going to be a good one, because he would smile, followed by a brief chuckle. If you knew Eugene really well, you knew he would tell you the three things that were most important to him were: his wife Billie Sue’s love, being a good truck driver, and having longevity. Eugene will be greatly missed by all who had the pleasure to have known him.

Preceded in death by his father, Phillip Allen Coleman; mother, Nancy Ella Sanderson; brothers Larry Coleman and Antone Detrick; sister Phyllis Wantt; daughter Terry Harrison; grandchildren Kevin Lane Jr, Phillip Coleman and Nikki Starr Owen McCovey.

Eugene is survived by his wife and soulmate of 59 years, Billie Sue; sisters Judy Scott and Voncie Detrick; sons Tracy Coleman (Barbara Coleman), Phillip Coleman (Ruby Coleman); daughters Angela Coleman, Samantha Sylvia Myers (Dewey Myers), Lisa McGinnis (Dakota McGinnis Jr.), Ella Kane (Bob Kane Sr.) and 26 grandchildren and 55 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. And you can’t forget his trusted companion Macky the dog.

Funeral services were held at the Karuk Tribal DNR building in Orleans on Saturday October 1, 2022 at 11 a.m. Officiated by Lucinda Myers; pallbearers were Tracy Coleman, Phillip Coleman, Dakota McGinnis Jr, Dewey Myers, Bob Kane Sr., Archie Wantt, Sonny Sanderson.

Honorary pallbearers, Travis Coleman, Joey Coleman, Lloyd Owen Jr., Chaygee Sylvia, Treffery Sylvia, William Sylvia, Jacob Lane, Eugene Coleman, Creedence Coleman, Burt King, Tommy Horn.

Eugene’s wife and children would like to express their overwhelming sense of gratitude to the family, friends and community members that went above and beyond without hesitation to offer generosity, love and respect in this time of great loss. Forever Grateful.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Eugene Coleman’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.