Charles "Bucky" H. Coleman Jr., zoo elephant keeper in United States Born 1935-09-05 in United States dead 2020-04-17 in United States . Her keeper (pictured with Morganetta below) weighed in, saying it would be cruel to separate Morganetta and him by three thousand miles, but the Parks Department did just that, shipping her to the Los Angeles Zoo. She died seven months later—of a broken Heart, many insisted. 2020: East Longmeadow – Charles “Bucky” H. Coleman Jr., 84, passed away on April 17, 2020 at home surrounded by loving family. Charlie was born on September 5, 1935 in Springfield to the late Charles H. Coleman, Sr. and Leah (Lafleur) Coleman. Charlie grew up in Springfield and worked as a carpenter for the City of Springfield Parks Department until retiring in 1993. Charlie was also known as the trainer and handler for “Morganetta” the elephant at Forest Park Zoo. Charlie was a Mason and member of the Melha Shriners of Springfield. What he most enjoyed was taking road trips on his motorcycle with friends. He cherished his time with his loving partner of 28 years Sandy and his family. Charlie had a profound love for animals giving each adopted pet a great home and much love. He will be deeply missed by his family. He leaves behind his loving partner Sandy, his daughter Maria and her husband, his son Carlos and his wife, his sister Margaret, and his step son Jeff. Charlie will be sadly missed by his 6 grandchildren, nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents he is predeceased by a 2 sisters, Leah and Anne.
