Flint community members have been mourning the death of Flint native Levon “Peanut” Coleman.
Coleman, who frequented the downtown area, had been struck and killed by a vehicle while walking along Saginaw Street on Feb. 16, according to family.
“He was part of this downtown community,” longtime Flint resident Joel Rash said. “I really hope that he knows how many people thought about him and cared and looked out for him, and are saddened that they aren’t going to see him around. ”
Community members describe Coleman as a gentle soul who always wore a smile and was one of a kind. “He would always come to my car and ask if I needed any help, lifting my endless supply of event things that I had in the back. He often lifted them into my wagon for me. I, in turn, always gave him the good leftovers. He was always there with a smile. I was so shocked to hear about this,” Flint frequenter and Grand Blanc native, Cathy Rose George wrote on Facebook.
The University of Michigan-Flint’s Director of Public Safety, Ray Hall, said that despite Coleman being unhoused, he was loved and embraced by the community. “After he was hit by a car and passed away, many downtown business owners called to confirm his death and share fond stories,” Hall said. “It’s strange – he had a bigger impact than expected, there is something absent in the downtown area, no doubt – that missing piece is Peanut.”
Family members of Coleman have put together a GoFundMe to help cover memorial expenses. “The shock and pain of this loss has left us heartbroken,” family member Tanayia Carter wrote.
Rylie Yeiter is a writer for the Michigan Times and can be reached at jasobii@umich.edu.
