So after Coleman's remains were finally cremated Thursday at a suburban Salt Lake City mortuary — after nearly three weeks of limbo caused by legal wrangling — there was no funeral, no wake, no ceremony of any kind.
"The proceeding was conducted in accordance with Mr. Coleman's desires as expressed in his will," attorney Robert Jeffs said in a brief statement. Jeffs revealed earlier this week that Coleman's 2005 will specified he wanted no funeral or other service. That document trumped a 1999 will, in which Coleman said he wanted to be remembered in a wake conducted by people who had no financial ties to him and who could "look each other in the eyes and say they really cared personally for Gary Coleman."
The 1999 will also said Coleman wanted no media at his wake. The former child TV star's cremation had been on hold because of a dispute over his assets between his ex-wife, Shannon Price, and ex-girlfriend, Anna Gray. Both contend they are the lawful administrators of his estate. In the meantime, Coleman's ashes and belongings will be securely stored, Jeffs said.
