Dwight M. Coleman ’79

The class lost one of its most gregarious members when Dwight M. Coleman died Sept. 7, 2005, from heart problems.

A larger-than-life presence with a laugh and a heart as big as his home state of Texas, Dwight came to Princeton from St. Mark’s School in Dallas, where he excelled academically and athletically. At Princeton, Dwight majored in geology and was a starter at offensive tackle in football. He also lettered in wrestling, played lacrosse, and was a member of Cottage. He was described as “a dignified giant of a man” and “the biggest cheerleader on campus.”

After graduation, he took graduate courses at the University of Texas and worked with oil companies as an exploration geologist. He then founded and ran his own firm, DMC Energy, until his death. He was a member of the Association of Black Princeton Alumni, and interviewed applicants to Princeton.

Dwight loved the Dallas Cowboys, the UT Longhorns, jazz, Princeton and his classmates, and, above all, God and his family. At the time of his death he was survived by his wife, Alma; daughter Megan; sons Miles and Matthew; his cousin, Kevin Teal ’87; and legions of loving relatives and friends.

The class mourns Dwight’s passing and extends sincere, belated sympathy to his family.