In the early hours of Wednesday, October 29, the tranquil rural surroundings of northwest Bates County were shattered by tragedy when longtime residents of nearby Butler, Missouri — Wesley Coleman and Zelda Coleman — lost their lives in a devastating house fire. Responders arrived shortly before 11:00 a.m. at the couple’s home near 6748 NW County Road 4002, after receiving urgent reports of flames and concerns that someone might still be inside.
Fire crews worked quickly, but despite the rapid response the couple suffered fatal injuries resulting from the blaze. Investigators say the full cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Wesley and Zelda were not just residents of Butler — they were fixtures in their community, known for their kindness, warmth, and devotion to family and neighbors. Their sudden passing has sent a ripple of grief throughout Bates County.
Neighbors recall how the Colemans’ home was a welcoming place. On any given day, you might find Zelda tending her garden or Wesley fixing a neighbor’s fence — small, quiet acts of generosity that meant the world to those around them. Their presence brought light, and now that light has dimmed far too soon.
As investigators with the fire department continue to sift through evidence, trying to determine what sparked the blaze and if any contributing factors played a role, the mood in the area remains heavy with sorrow. There’s still a great deal that’s unknown about how the fire began, and authorities have said they will release more information when it becomes available.
In response, the community has rallied. Friends, fellow church-members, and neighbors have pulled together — offering meals, helping with cleanup, and simply showing up to share the burden of loss. They know that while bricks and mortar can be replaced, the presence of Wesley and Zelda cannot.
In this moment of profound loss, the thoughts of a town reach out to the Coleman family and every person touched by the lives of these two cherished souls. As the investigation unfolds and the community begins to heal, their memory remains bright and deeply felt.