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William Alexander “Alex” Colman, 89, died on Easter Sunday, April 16, 2017, in St. Petersburg, Florida. He was born on March 13, 1928, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
At the early age of 15, he began to learn to fly and that would become the love of his life. His first job was crop dusting and his three children were born in different states as he followed the demands of the crops.
After joining the U.S. Navy as a young man and serving a tour of duty, he completed a Navy Department apprenticeship which entitled him to be recognized as a journeyman Aircraft Mechanic-Motors. Once out of the service, he began to fly in earnest – eventually he would be certified to fly almost anything from gliders to Lockheed L1011s, DC-8s to Lear jets. He was employed by Pan American Airways, Air America, Japan Airlines and many others during his long and successful career.
He was the ultimate pilot. His commanding presence as Captain, along with his drive for perfection in preparation and performance, was respected by flight crews all over the globe.
William A. Colman was the son of Alexander and Elizabeth Colman (nee McCann). He was predeceased by his parents, his sister Edythe Kopec, and his grandson Dustin Matthews.
Surviving are four daughters, Linda S. Colman of Anaconda, Montana, Karen E. Colman of Freeport, Maine, Janis D. Matthews (and husband Audie) of Youngsville, North Carolina, Alexis Perez (and husband Jaime) of Clearwater, three grandchildren, one niece, and one great-granddaughter.
The Veterans Funeral Home, 15381 Roosevelt Blvd., Clearwater, Florida, is handling arrangements. A memorial service will be held at that location at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, April 21, 2017.
“Take off fast and land slow, Dad.”
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