Obituary of Thomas R. Coates

COATES Thomas Robert, age 90, died peacefully with family on Thursday, March 30, 2017. Born May 23, 1926 and graduated from Shawnee High School, class of 1944. Tom was a Staff Sergeant in the Army Signal Corp during WWII, serving in MacArthur’s headquarters in the occupation of Japan. He attended Merideth Business College in Zanesville, OH. Tom worked with MetLife for over 30 years, and upon retiring worked the rest of his life as an instructor for insurance licensing and as a tax preparer. A faithful follower of Christ, a loving and devoted husband, a caring father, an attentive and giving grandfather and a joyful great-grandfather, Tom’s true joy in life was family. He is predeceased by his parents, John and Ethel Coates of Shawnee, OH; his son, Dean Thomas Coates; and his brother, John and sisters, Laura, Ellen, Marie, Fanny and Irene. Tom is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Nina Marie (nee William) Coates; his two sons, Dale (Jenni) Coates and David (Karrie) Coates; and seven grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 4th from 9:30AM until the time of funeral service 11AM at Mariemont Community Church, 3908 Plainville Rd. (45227). In lieu of flowers, friends may make a gift to Mariemont Community Church Parish Center or to the charity of their choice.