INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. -- Local organizations are providing physical and emotional support to the Coleman family as they prepare to lay nine members to rest in the next two days.
Eleven members of the Coleman family were on vacation in Missouri when tragedy struck. While taking a sightseeing duck boat tour near Branson, a storm hit and capsized the boat they were on. Nine family members were killed, including four children. Tia Coleman and her 13-year-old nephew, Donovan, were the only two survivors from the Coleman family.
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Leslie Jones with DC Tux in Carmel says they were contacted earlier this week by the non-profit organization “100 Black Men” to help suit the Coleman men for the funeral.
Jones says they’re happy to help.
“Tia had requested white tuxedos for all of the men for the funeral,” said Jones. “We were just happy to have an opportunity to be able to help. If it’s going to ease the burden of that day, the planning of that day, we’re here for them.”
DC Tux will be donating the tuxes for all of the men and boys to be buried in: Glenn Coleman, his two sons – Reece and Evan – Horace and Irvin Coleman and 2-year-old Maxwell Coleman.
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Major Kendall Mathews of the Salvation Army says two of their staff members are related to the Coleman family. The organization will be donating pallets of water, juice and snacks to the family for the difficult days ahead.
“During a tragedy like this, we want to extend our arms of love around this family,” said Major Mathews. “We want to help replenish, not just a physical life with water and snacks, but replenish hope.”
Major Mathews says the Salvation Army’s Emergency Disaster Truck will also be on site at the church to provide nourishment and emotional support for the family.
Tia's husband, Glenn, and their three kids, Arya, 1, Evan, 7, and Reece, 9, will be laid to rest on Friday.
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The viewing will be held at Grace Apostolic Church, located at 649 E. 22nd St., at 8 a.m., followed by the funeral at noon.
Services for the other five family members: Horace, Ervin, Belinda, Maxwell, and Angela will be Saturday, July 28, at Eastern Star Church on 5805 Cooper Road.
The viewing begins at 8 a.m. with the service beginning at noon.
Grace Apostolic Church is accepting all forms of donations for the family. You can also donate to the official GoFundMeaccount that has been set up for the survivors of the accident.
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