John W. Coats' Obituary
John W. Coats, 72 yrs., of Columbia, IL, passed away at St. Anthony's Hospital, St. Louis, MO. He was born in Belleville, IL, the son of the late Gene and Leona (Bade) Coats.
John had served the City of Columbia as a past Alderman (1981-89), and as Mayor (1989-93). He ran 2 St. Louis Marathons and had qualified for and participated in the Boston Marathon in 1984. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus - Council 6165, Columbia, IL, and American Legion Post #581 Columbia, IL . He had worked in Pharmaceutical Sales with A.H. Robins, SmithKline Beecham, and Alcon Laboratories, Inc..He was married to Jery (Schoening) Coats, who survives him. They were married on September 14, 1963, at Waterloo, IL.
VisitationWednesday, October 2, 2013, 9:30 am - 11:00 amImmaculate Conception Catholic Church
Columbia, IL
Memorial ServicesWednesday, October 2, 2013, 11:00 amImmaculate Conception Catholic ChurchColumbia, IL
Fr. Carl Scherrer, officiating
Memorial Contribution SuggestionsCharity of the donor's choice
SurvivorsWife, Jery Coats of Columbia, ILSon, Christopher Coats of Washington, D.C.Son, Kelly (Chris) Coats of Belleville, ILSon, Adam (Jeneen) Coats of St. Louis, MOGrandchildren, Jed and Ellie, Derrick and Gabby
Brothers, Robert W. (Jeanne) Coats of Milton, GA, and David G. (Nancy) Coats of Belleville, IL
Sisters, Jean Lee (Leon) Landgraf of Columbia, IL, and Bonnie S. Ribbing of Columbia, ILOther relatives and friends
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