With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Eric L. Coleman of Omaha, Nebraska, who left us unexpectedly on April 26, 2025, at the age of 49. Eric’s vibrant spirit, unwavering kindness, and generous heart touched the lives of everyone who knew him. As we grieve his loss, we also celebrate the many gifts he brought into our world: laughter, compassion, creativity, and a steadfast dedication to those he loved.

With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Eric L. Coleman of Omaha, Nebraska, who left us unexpectedly on April 26, 2025, at the age of 49. Eric’s vibrant spirit, unwavering kindness, and generous heart touched the lives of everyone who knew him. As we grieve his loss, we also celebrate the many gifts he brought into our world: laughter, compassion, creativity, and a steadfast dedication to those he loved.

Early Life and Education
Born on April 12, 1976, in Omaha to parents Samuel and Patricia Coleman, Eric was the middle of three children. From an early age, he displayed a boundless curiosity, whether dismantling and reassembling household gadgets or poring over library books on art, science, and history. He attended Omaha Central High School, where he excelled academically and pursued his passion for the visual arts—painting, photography, and sculpture—often winning regional art competitions.

After graduating with honors in 1994, Eric continued his education at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. There, he majored in Graphic Design and minored in Business Administration. He served as president of the student art collective, fostering collaboration among artists of diverse backgrounds and championing community murals throughout Lincoln’s downtown district.

Professional Life
Upon earning his BFA in 1998, Eric returned to Omaha and began a career that would blend his artistic talent with entrepreneurial ambition. He co-founded “Brightstream Creative,” a boutique design studio specializing in branding, web design, and community-centered public art. Over twenty years, Brightstream grew from a two-person startup to a thriving agency of twenty-five creatives. Under Eric’s leadership as Chief Creative Officer, the firm completed projects for local nonprofits, small businesses, and municipal public spaces—always emphasizing accessibility, collaboration, and social impact.

Eric believed that good design should empower communities. He spearheaded the “Canvas of Hope” initiative in 2010, partnering with Omaha Public Schools to invite students to co-design murals in their neighborhoods. Then in 2018, he was honored with the Omaha Arts Council’s “Innovator in Community Engagement” award for his tireless work bringing art into everyday life.

Family and Personal Life
Beyond his professional achievements, Eric’s deepest passions were his family and friends. In 2004, he married his college sweetheart, Amanda Reyes. Together they built a warm and joyful home in the Dundee neighborhood, raising two children, Sophia (16) and Julian (13). Eric was a devoted husband and father—always present at piano recitals, Little League games, and late-night homework sessions.

He found balance in nature: weekends kayaking on the Platte River, early-morning runs through Memorial Park, and family camping trips to the Sandhills. A talented cook, Eric delighted in experimenting with family recipes and introducing friends to Amanda’s traditional Mexican dishes, often hosting potlucks that echoed with laughter and music well into the night.

Legacy of Kindness and Creativity
Eric’s warmth and wit made him the heart of every gathering. He was the friend who remembered birthdays with hand-drawn cards, the colleague who stayed late to mentor a junior designer, the neighbor who shoveled driveways without being asked. To know Eric was to feel truly seen and supported.

His creative vision and community spirit endure in the murals he helped create, the businesses he helped launch, and the countless individuals he inspired to discover their own voices through art. His belief that beauty and empathy go hand in hand will continue to shape Omaha for generations to come.

Visitation and Memorial Service
We invite all who knew and loved Eric to join us in honoring his remarkable life:

• Visitation: Sunday, May 4, 2025, from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Good Shepherd Funeral Home (1234 Maple Street, Omaha, NE).
• Memorial Service: Monday, May 5, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Good Shepherd Funeral Home, followed by a reception and celebration of life in the adjoining hall.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Eric’s name to the Omaha Public Schools Art Fund, supporting youth art education and community projects.

As we mourn this profound loss, let us also carry forward Eric’s legacy of creativity, generosity, and love. May we honor him by lifting one another up, seeking beauty in our everyday surroundings, and sharing our gifts freely, just as he did every day of his life.

He will be deeply missed—and forever remembered—in every stroke of paint, every shared meal, every act of kindness. Rest in peace, dear Eric. Your light continues to shine in all who were fortunate enough to know you.