Joe Coates Obituary's Obituary
Joe Coates, 89 of Centerville passed away Monday, October 29, 2012 at Golden Age Care Center in Centerville. Joe was born on December 27, 1922 to Joe and Alice (Tingle) Coates Jr in Mystic, IA. He received his education from Mystic High School and graduated in 1941. He married Jeanette Kelly on August 24, 1946 in Mystic, IA. Joe was involved with the Masonic Lodge 588 in Mystic and 42 in Centerville, the First United Methodist Church, American Legion in Mystic, and the VFW. He enjoyed spending time woodworking, watching baseball and football, especially the Iowa Hawkeyes. Joe enlisted in the Army and was a member of Company A of the 147th Engineer Combat Battalion. He was one of the first service men to land on Omaha Beach during D-Day. Joe is survived by his wife, Jeanette Coates of Centerville, two daughters; Kristin Elgin (Robert) of Oskaloosa, Nancy Snyder (Ken) of Centerville, six grandchildren; Seth Elgin (Nicole) of Ankeny, Ryan Elgin (Tiffany) of Iowa City, Holly Reeder (Billy) of Cedar Rapids, Megan Elgin of Des Moines, Tasha Ballanger of Centerville, Zachary Snyder of Centerville, eight great-grandchildren; Bailey and Lainey Reeder, Sophia and Loren Elgin, Brody and Andrew Elgin, Ally and Kyler Ballanger, and a sister Thelma Coates of Rockford, IL. He was preceded in death by his parents, a daughter, Jolene Oden and a brother Lee Coates. Funeral service will be 10:30 a.m., Thursday, November 1, 2012 at the First United Methodist Church with Dennis Gilbert officiating. Visitation will be all day Wednesday with the family present from 6-8 p.m., Wednesday, October 31, 2012 at Thomas Funeral Home. A Masonic Service will be held at 7 p.m. at the funeral home on Wednesday. Interment will be in Highland Cemetery. Memorials may be given to First United Methodist Church which may be left at or mailed to Thomas Funeral Home - 23548 Hwy 5 - PO Box 125 - Centerville, Iowa 52544. Condolences and video may be shared at www.thomasfh.com. Book Travel to Services To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Joe Coates Obituary please visit our Sympathy Store.
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