C. Joseph Coleman was born on March 14, 1923, to parents Daniel and Geneva Coleman in Fort Dodge, Iowa. The family resided in Clare, where Joseph was raised. After completing his primary and secondary education at St. Matthew's Academy in his hometown, Coleman enrolled at Iowa State University and subsequently transferred to complete his college education at Bradley University. Coleman was married twice, first to Katherine Ann Burken from October 1945 to her death in December 1950, and then to Polly Pflanz from January 1954. Joseph Coleman had three sons, C. Joseph Jr. Kerry, and Kevin Gerard.[1] A grandson, C. Joseph III and known as Joey, is a motivational speaker.[2] C. Joseph Coleman died at the age of 79, on July 26, 2002.[1]