Sedalia Parks & Rec Remembers Superintendent Jeff Coleman

On Sunday, the Sedalia Parks & Rec team gathered to say their goodbyes to a truly remarkable individual, Parks Superintendent Jeff Coleman.

According to a press release issued by Parks & Rec on Monday morning:

“His passing after a hard-fought battle with cancer leaves a void that will be felt deeply within our team and our community.

Jeff was a gentle giant, known for his incredible ability to fix just about anything that came his way. As the leader of our maintenance team, he left an indelible mark on our parks department. The Heckart and other facilities will carry his touch for years to come, a testament to his dedication and skill.

A well-respected figure in park maintenance, Jeff was one of the key leaders who helped kick off the Missouri Parks and Recreation Maintenance Rodeo, an initiative that continues to grow within the state association. His contributions to the field were recognized when he received the distinguished MPRA Park Resource Award in 2017, a proud moment that highlighted his dedication and impact.

Though Jeff was with our department for only five years, he made an immense impact on our community and team. Before joining us in Sedalia, he had dedicated over 20 years to Warrensburg Parks and Recreation, where he built a strong foundation and a legacy that he brought with him.

A leader in every sense, Jeff led by example, always the first to dive in when the work got tough. He never asked his staff to do anything he wouldn’t do himself, embodying the spirit of teamwork and resilience. His passion for his job shone through in every project, and he took immense pride in providing quality parks that enhanced our community's experience.

In his free time, Jeff loved being on his farm, tending to his cows, and restoring his beloved Fords—something he excelled at and found great joy in. He also appreciated John Deeres, exemplifying his love for all things related to hard work and machinery. Above all, he cherished his people, and his people loved him back. We can't forget to mention his furry best friend, Russell, who brought him so much joy.

He was our park guy, with the knowledge and skills to do it all, but his heart screamed recreation! Jeff jumped in whenever we were short-staffed and never hesitated to put on a costume if it meant bringing smiles to our community.

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As we remember Jeff Coleman, let us carry forward his spirit, his dedication, and his love for the work we do together. Though he may no longer be with us, his legacy will live on in every park, every facility, and every life he touched. Thank you, Jeff, for everything. You will be missed but never forgotten."

For more information, contact Amy Epple at (660) 826-4930 or aepple@sedaliaparks.com, or visit the Sedalia Parks & Recreation Office at 1800 West 3rd Street.

In the top photo: Former Parks Superintendent Jeff Coleman is pictured posing with Sedalia Parks & Rec Director Amy Epple in a facebook post.