(Samohi Graduate, Class of ’62)
Killed in Vietnam, early 1968, within a week of being in Country. He was assigned to a unit that was clearing jungle terrain for bases, although his MOS (military designation for assignment) was as a rifleman. He was struck and killed by a falling tree that had been blown-up in preparation of a new base.
Steve went through basic military training at Fort Bliss, Texas with Robert H. Brackett (’62), beginning in July 1967. They graduated after some 13 weeks of training. Steve went to rifleman training and Bob went to Communications Operator school. That was the last they saw of each other, despite having been raised on Hill Street in Santa Monica, with Steve living at 16th and Hill Street and Bob west of 14th Street on Hill Street. Steve Coalson, Bob Brackett, and his brother Steven Brackett were newspaper carriers for the Santa Monica Evening Outlook in the late ‘50s and early ‘60s, and folded their papers at Steve Coalson’s house that was at the time the designated Outlook “corner” for the area.
Steve Coalson, his mother, father and half-brother, Dennis Allen, lived on the s/w corner of 16th and Hill Street, and Steve attended Pilgrim Lutheran Church (18th Street & Wilshire) in Santa Monica. Some of his neighbors also attended the church. Dorlene Argast lived on the s/e corner of 16th & Oak Street, and Russ Parkinson lived across the street on the n/e corner. Gordon Wohlers (’62), who lived about a mile from Steve, also attended the same church and was a close friend of Steves’. It was at church that Steve Coalson met the five “Luck sisters”, and in early 1967 married Marlene Luck (Coalson).
Following Steve’s death, his parents moved to Mammoth Lakes, CA where for many years Mrs. Coalson worked at the BofA, while Mr. Coalson worked for the US Postal Service. In their later years, seeking a warmer climate, they reportedly moved to perhaps California City, California. Steve’s half brother, Dennis Allen, perhaps 5-8 years older than Steve subsequently wanted to move to Jackson Hole, Wyoming.
I am the grand daughter of the late Shad and Gerri Shadrick, who were friends with John and Anita Coalson from the late 1930's till their deaths. They were life long friends, before and after marriage and children. I inherited several boxes of memorabilia upon my grandparents death and came upon an original letter from Steve, while in Vietnam. The letter is dated Dec. 20th, 1967. He passed away January 8th, 1968. The letter was addressed to my grandparents and my Uncle Bill Shadrick, who was Steve's friend as well. I am told that Steve had already passed when they received it in the mail. This letter if very moving, and is accompanied by his obit from the local papers and a photo of him and Marlene at their wedding, and a photo of Steve with his parents and brother. I am trying to reach Marlene to pass this letter along to her, if anyone can assist me with finding her. Thank you, Tina Rathstone Henderson. My email is tina@thewindfall.net.
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