Retired Col. John I. Coats passed away peacefully at home in the early morning hours of October 17, 2018 at the age of 82. His passing was sudden and unexpected and occurred while he was doing what he was all about in life, seeking to be of service and help - in this case to his beloved wife of 61 wonderful years, Carol. He leaves behind a legacy of kindness and service to his Lord and Savior, to his wife Carol, his family, his country and his community. Always practical and ever the engineer, his special talents for listening, kindness and can-do planning helped bring countless projects and events to life for the benefit of us all. He never sought glory or accolades for himself, and was focused on the greater good and the glory of God. He was very proud to be a Beta Theta Phi at Mines, and a member of the Society of American Military Engineers, among other groups.
As he touched many lives, John's legacy will be carried on. He leaves so many behind: His wife Carol, his daughter Marsha Sperling, her husband Doug and their kids Tyson, Katelyn, Thad and Noah, his son Bob, his wife Trudy and their kids Fawn, Shayla, Theo, Kendrick and Clara, his son John and his kids Crystal and Charles, his son Paul, his wife Patricia and their kids Bjorn, Ilsa and Stellan, John's siblings Kay, Max and Peg, countless friends and coworkers, bible study colleagues, political friends and more. All of us will miss him.
A memorial service and full military honor guard ceremony honoring John's life will be held at New Hope Presbyterian Church in Castle Rock on Friday, October 26 at 2:00 pm. A remembrance reception will follow immediately after the service. John will be buried at Fort Logan on Monday, October 29, 2018 at 1:30 pm. If desired, Memorial donations can be made in lieu of flowers to Wycliff Bible Translators or the Colorado School of Mines Foundation.
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