VIDALIA, La. – Eddie Coleman, a Concordia Parish&160;school board member who spent his life helping children, died Sunday.

Coleman, 64, who was in his second term on the board, died of cancer at his residence. Prior to serving on the board, the Concordia Parish native worked 31 years for the district as a teacher, an administrator at Vidalia Junior High School and as a supervisor.

Coleman was also active with Southern University Alumni, the Louisiana State School Board Association and a member of Young Chapel Baptist Church.

&uot;He was a pillar for the community not only for the children but for the parents as well,&uot; said Margaret Mays, a retired teacher. &uot;He stood for justice and fairness for all persons. Some even referred to him as the Dr. Martin Luther King for the Concordia Parish School System.&uot;

Concordia Parish Superintendent Pete Peterman remembers Coleman cared about each and every child.

&uot;I think that he always had the children’s best interest at heart,&uot;&160;Peterman said. &uot;His main concern was for the school system.&uot;

Even as Coleman struggled with cancer, he stayed involved and hardly missed a meeting, Peterman added.

School Board President Mike Grantham said losing Coleman was going to be difficult.

&uot;I sure hate to see him gone,&uot; he said.

Coleman’s son Raoul Coleman said he is grateful for the community’s help during this time.

&uot;I’d like to say thanks to a lot of people for the support they have given and the memories they have shared with me about my father,&uot;&160;he said.

Eddie Coleman is also survived by two other sons, Roderick Coleman and Eddie Coleman Jr. Funeral arrangements are incomplete with Concordia Funeral Home.