Born March 28, 1936 in Sullivan, Illinois
Departed September 9, 2024 in Melbourne, Florida
On Monday, September 9, Gene Coulter, beloved father, papaw, and uncle passed away. He was eighty-eight. Born March 28, 1936 to Herbert and Ruby Coulter in Sullivan, Illinois, he grew up on a one-hundred acre farm in a small three-room house. He graduated in 1954 from Sullivan High School while working in the local cheese factory. He moved with his family to Palm Bay, Florida in 1956 where he would live the rest of his life.
In 1956, he met Betty Alderman who he would marry in 1959. They had three sons, Duane (1960), David (1963), and Dale (1970). After the birth of Duane, they built a house in 1962 and resided together until Betty passed away in 2022.
He worked at Patrick Airforce Base first for Pan American World Services and then for Computer Sciences Raytheon before retiring in 1994. He served as a faithful member of Melbourne Church of God (now Cornerstone) and then Discover Life Church. Over the years, he was known for his impact on the boys who had the privilege of being in his Sunday School class.
Gene was a simple man who loved simple things. He spent time working in the yard at his house, helping out those in need, and being of service to his church. In the latter years of his life, his primary joy was taking care of the love of his life Betty when her health declined. His joy in helping others meant that many affectionately called him Uncle Gene.
He is survived by his sons, David and Dale (Esther); grandchildren Bella, Sophia, and Christian; and his sister, Marlene. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Betty; brother, Boyd; sister, Eva; son, Duane; and daughter-in-law, Sherry.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be sent to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee or Shriners Children’s Hospital Florida. There will be visitation for family and friends at 1:00 PM followed by a Celebration of Life service at 2:00 PM on September 14th at Discover Life Church 3550 W Eau Gallie Blvd, Melbourne, FL 32934.
7 entries.
Melanie Karstens
from Palm Bay wrote on September 21, 2024:
Truly a wonderful, caring, and loving man in all aspects of his life! I have so many fond memories of the entire Coulter family growing up and I feel blessed to have been part of their family. May you rest in peace with your beautiful wife Betty, son Duane and all of your family members in heaven. With love and condolences to the family, Mel, Fred and Tyler Karstens
Cynthia Coulter- Hager
from Bluefield,WVA wrote on September 14, 2024:
I will miss my prayer warrior very much . I Love you Gene. You were there for me in everything. But your not in pain now and with your wife Betty.
I will miss you dearly and my heart is broken , but I know you are in peace and that heals my heart. Until we meet again. 🙏❤️❤️❤️❤️
Pamela A Mills
from PALM BAY wrote on September 13, 2024:
Uncle Gene was there for me after my father passed away, and then for my children, and grandchildren as well. He practiced softball, took them to their games, movies, skating, taught them to drive, and always willing to pick them up or drop them off somewhere. Being a single mom, he made it so much easier for me. My mom, Lois Maddox, Aunt Betty and Uncle Gene were so important to me and a part of who I have become. They showed me the importance of God in my life, not just on Sunday but the daily walk. The love he had for helping others shows true Christianity. The way they opened their home, and all the Thanksgivings, Christmas and Birthdays were a blessing. Volleyball games and great food was shared by all. I miss those days more and more. I picked him up for church on Sunday and I loved our talks. He wanted everyone to go to church and serve God. I promise I will do that, because that is what you taught me. I love you and will forever miss the man I loved the longest.
Lee Roy Martin
from Cleveland, Tennessee wrote on September 11, 2024:
We are very sorry to hear the news of your loss, and we offer you our sincere condolences. Please be assured that we are praying for the family.
Tony Richie
from Cleveland, Tennessee wrote on September 11, 2024:
Our love and prayers and thoughts are with you during this time.
Dr Richie
John Marvin Alderman
from Rogersville, TN wrote on September 10, 2024:
Uncle Gene is home. I have so many good memories of times at their Palm Bay home. It was just that - simply home. When I returned from Italy, walking with him and Aunt Betty in the cool of the day after dinner (after 3 years overseas) was a "peace reset". I love 'em and look forward to seeing them again soon.
Amberly Wilson
from Valdosta wrote on September 10, 2024:
I will love you forever and miss you dearly Uncle Gene! You were the man of my life and I couldn’t have made it through without you. You taught me so much and you were my biggest fan in sports! You never missed anything I wanted you to be at or any important moments in my life. You made sure I knew you loved me too! Thank you for helping in raising me and being such an amazingly important person in my life! I’m super blessed and I’m going to miss you tremendously! So happy you’re with Aunt Betty, Nana and Grandpa again! 💙
Born March 28, 1936 in Sullivan, Illinois