Van Allen Coleman was born to Audrey Coleman, Sr. and Olelia Ethel Blaylock Coleman on August 3, 1941, in Texarkana, Texas. He was the third child born into this union along with his brothers: Woodrow, Franklin Delano, and Audrey Coleman, Jr. As a child, Van and his family regularly attended St. Paul Baptist Church in the Grandview area of Texarkana, where his mother was a dedicated Sunday school teacher. Van attended Grandview Elementary School, and graduated in 1959 from Paul Laurence Dunbar High School, in Texarkana, TX. After finishing high school, Van journeyed to Bakersfield, California to attend junior college. He played college football and earned an Associate of Arts degree from Bakersfield Community College, in the Administration of Criminal Justice. During this time, he lived with family members Alpha and R.T. Hamilton.
After completing junior college, Van ventured to southern California to attend California State University, Los Angeles.To make ends meet, Van worked as a campus policeman. He graduated from Cal State LA with a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminology. It was during this time that he met Dorothy, who would later become his wife of 51 years. Van and Dorothy briefly dated, fell in love, and married on April 17, 1965, in Dallas, Texas. The couple lived briefly in the Windsor Hills area of Los Angeles, and started a family. They later purchased a home, and in 1974 moved to Cerritos where they have been proud residents ever since.
Van went on to pursue a noble career in law enforcement and public service. He worked for over thirty-five years in California law enforcement. He was promoted through the ranks and in 1989 served as the Special Agent In Charge for the California Department of Justice, Bureau of Investigation, in Sacramento. Van retired, in 1997, after serving seven years as the Special Agent In-Charge of regional offices in both Orange and San Diego counties. In this position, he directed investigations of various civil, criminal, and foreign prosecution matters. In addition, Van earned a California community college teaching credential and obtained an advanced certificate for Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST). He was a past member of the California Narcotic Officer Association (CNOA), and the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE).
After retirement, Van continued his community involvement. In April of 2005, he was appointed by Mayor John F. Crawley to the Cerritos Community Safety Committee. He served as a member and past board officer of a distinguished Cerritos political club. He was a member of the Central Committee for the 56th Assembly District, a position that he was elected to twice. Van often volunteered as a career day speaker at various inner city schools, in Los Angeles. He was a long time supporter and speech judge in the annual Academic Decathlon program for the Los Angeles Unified School District. Van also was a supporter of the Avon Foundation Walk for Breast Cancer, and an avid participant in the Donate Life Run/ Walk to inspire the community about the importance of organ and tissue donation. This particular cause was one that was near and dear to his heart.
Van, often forthright with his opinions, was a man who celebrated life. His quick wit and hilarious sense of humor, caused others to naturally gravitate toward him. Van loved sports, and was an excellent cook. He enjoyed gambling in Las Vegas, taking daily walks, and was always open for a long drive or road trip. More than anything, Van loved spending time with his family and friends.
Van was preceded in death by his father, Audrey Sr., his mother, Olelia, and his youngest brother, Audrey Jr. He leaves his beloved wife of 51 years, Dorothy Coleman; three sons: Derick (his wife, Vickie), Reginald and Jason; his only daughter: Lelania Stephens (her husband, Christopher); two granddaughters: Martina and Crystal; two brothers: Woodrow and Franklin; an aunt: Norma Roberson (her husband, Brice); a sister-in-law: Bonnie Coleman; three nephews: Douglass, Audrey III, and Patrick; a great- nephew and niece: Amiri and Olilah respectively; and a host of cousins, other relatives, and friends.