If you know Toledo jazz, you've probably heard of local saxophone legend Jesse Coleman. He died suddenly over the weekend at only 56-years-old. Now his friends and family are celebrating his life.
As a preacher, musician and father to six, Coleman gave his all to the community he loved.
"He would be here every Thursday night whether he was playing or one of the others was playing down here," says Donna Weiser, owner of ICE Restaurant in downtown Toledo, a spot Coleman frequently visited and played. "He just had a real passion for what he did."
His death came as a surprise to family and friends on Sunday. When he didn't come to church on Sunday, friends and family went to his apartment where they found his body. Family members believe he died from hypertension. He got sick last October when his blood pressure spiked, but loved ones thought he'd made a full recovery.
"It's a big loss because he's not here anymore and he brought a lot to the table for jazz," says Weiser.
"My dad was electric and eccentric," says Tosha Coleman, his oldest daughter. "He touched everybody and he will be missed."
Coleman fans call his death a great loss, but say his legend both in the jazz and church community will live on.
"He just brought everything towards jazz. The people loved him, they loved listening to him. He was just a great artist," says Weiser.
The viewing of Coleman's body will be Friday, February 15 from 7-9 PM at the House of Day Funeral Home. Coleman's wake is on Saturday, Feb 16 at 12 PM at Friendship Baptist Church. Funeral services will follow at 1 PM.
Saturday, May 18 2013 10:50 PM EDT2013-05-19 02:50:34 GMT
Three suspects are still on the loose after an-early morning home invasion and murder in Waterville Township and investigators say the death of 34-year-old James Safadi was not a random act of violence.
Investigators say the home invasion death of 34-year-old James Safadi in Waterville was not a random act of violence. They believe the local business owner was targeted.
Saturday, May 18 2013 9:01 PM EDT2013-05-19 01:01:59 GMT
A team that played football for years has reunited to pay tribute to their coach who died from ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease.It was the fifth year for the Dave Calabrese Football Blitz, but
It was the fifth year for the Dave Calabrese Football Blitz, but the first without Calabrese, who died just days ago after a battle with ALS.
Saturday, May 18 2013 7:57 PM EDT2013-05-18 23:57:12 GMT
While the most intense of the severe weather will be in the Great Plains and Mississippi Valley, it is possible that we could see some severe thunderstorms, as early as Monday night, especially west of the Toledo metro area.
While the most intense of the severe weather will be in the Great Plains and Mississippi Valley, it is possible that we could see some severe thunderstorms, as early as Monday night, especially west of the Toledo metro area.
Saturday, May 18 2013 6:45 PM EDT2013-05-18 22:45:41 GMT
Nearly 100 Antique automobiles were on display Saturday in Archbold at the annual antique car gathering at Sauder Village.Car collectors showcased their vintage vehicles and talked about these unique cars.Vistors
Nearly 100 Antique automobiles were on display Saturday in Archbold at the annual antique car gathering at Sauder Village.
Saturday, May 18 2013 6:37 PM EDT2013-05-18 22:37:55 GMT
Students at Lourdes University received their diplomas Saturday at a graduation ceremony.Sister Mary Soro-Siak and Owens-Illinois CEO Albert Stroucken received honorary doctoral degrees.Strouken also delivered
Students at Lourdes University received their diplomas Saturday at a graduation ceremony.
Saturday, May 18 2013 10:50 PM EDT2013-05-19 02:50:34 GMT
Three suspects are still on the loose after an-early morning home invasion and murder in Waterville Township and investigators say the death of 34-year-old James Safadi was not a random act of violence.
Investigators say the home invasion death of 34-year-old James Safadi in Waterville was not a random act of violence. They believe the local business owner was targeted.
Sunday, May 19 2013 8:55 AM EDT2013-05-19 12:55:26 GMT
It has been a slow severe weather season up to this point, but this weekend will be the busiest of the season so far. There were more than 20 tornado reports on Saturday and over 200 severe reports totals.
More than 200 severe weather reports and 20 tornadoes were observed in the plains on Saturday.
Saturday, May 18 2013 9:52 PM EDT2013-05-19 01:52:31 GMT
LEXINGTON, Mich. (AP) - Carol Connell remembers well the gift she gave Sara Ylen, a friend seemingly forced to bear too much misery. Ylen, a Michigan mother of two young boys, said she was battling cancer
A Michigan mom who claimed to be battling cancer and a rape survior is being accused of fraud and her community is reeling.
Saturday, May 18 2013 9:11 PM EDT2013-05-19 01:11:00 GMT
DAMASCUS, Va. (AP) - Witnesses in southwestern Virginia say a car has driven into a crowd at a festival parade. Several people appeared to be hurt, but the nature of their injuries wasn't immediately
An elderly driver plowed into dozens of hikers marching in a Saturday parade in a small Virginia mountain town.
Saturday, May 18 2013 9:01 PM EDT2013-05-19 01:01:59 GMT
A team that played football for years has reunited to pay tribute to their coach who died from ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease.It was the fifth year for the Dave Calabrese Football Blitz, but
It was the fifth year for the Dave Calabrese Football Blitz, but the first without Calabrese, who died just days ago after a battle with ALS.
Saturday, May 18 2013 7:57 PM EDT2013-05-18 23:57:12 GMT
While the most intense of the severe weather will be in the Great Plains and Mississippi Valley, it is possible that we could see some severe thunderstorms, as early as Monday night, especially west of the Toledo metro area.
While the most intense of the severe weather will be in the Great Plains and Mississippi Valley, it is possible that we could see some severe thunderstorms, as early as Monday night, especially west of the Toledo metro area.
Saturday, May 18 2013 6:24 PM EDT2013-05-18 22:24:10 GMT
A Toledo man is accused of animal cruelty after he hit his pit bull with 2 by 4.Police say Donnie Britton was trying to break up a fight between two dogs by hitting them with a board. Both dogs were injured
A Toledo man is accused of animal cruelty after he hit his pit bull with 2 by 4.
Saturday, May 18 2013 5:54 PM EDT2013-05-18 21:54:20 GMT
Verizon Wireless customers have been experiencing voice and data issues throughout the day on Saturday in Ohio.Customers in the Sandusky, Akron and Canton areas have seen an increased in dropped calls
Verizon Wireless customers have been experiencing voice and data issues throughout the day on Saturday in Ohio.
Saturday, May 18 2013 9:25 PM EDT2013-05-19 01:25:59 GMT
UNIONDALE, N.Y. (AP) - A wanted man with a criminal history dating back nearly 15 years was identified by police Saturday as the masked home invader involved in the death of a Hofstra University student
A wanted man with a criminal history dating back nearly 15 years was identified by police Saturday as the masked home invader involved in the death of a Hofstra University student early Friday morning.
Saturday, May 18 2013 8:52 PM EDT2013-05-19 00:52:10 GMT
DETROIT (AP) - A tiny insect is threatening Michigan's fruit and vegetable crops. The brown marmorated stink bug's presence in Michigan has growers and agriculture experts concerned because there are
A tiny insect is threatening Michigan's fruit and vegetable crops. The brown marmorated stink bug's presence in Michigan has growers and agriculture experts concerned.
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