Robert William Coats

On Thursday, March 28, 2024, Robert William Coats, loving husband, father and grandfather passed away peacefully at home after a courageous battle with cancer in Canton, Georgia. Bob was born in East St. Louis, IL on May 27, 1945. He lived in Columbia, IL until he left for college in 1963.

Bob met the love of his life, Jeanne, in college at Southern Illinois University. They were married for 56 years and have two daughters, Amy and Jennifer. He joined the Marines in 1967, which interrupted his college years, but returned and graduated after his basic training. Bob enjoyed a 35 year career, working in sales and marketing for 3M company. The company transfers for him and his family took them to St. Louis, Chicago(twice), Denver, Atlanta, and ending up in St. Paul. On a whim, when Bob was 55, he joined the Woodbury, MN Fire Department for which he had to take an all day psychological test and arduous physical test which he hadn’t anticipated, but passed with flying colors. Bob and Jeanne loved to take road trips together and he became known as the “Road Warrior” by many of his friends. They traveled to all 50 states, driving to 49 of them including Alaska. Bob’s love of adventure was impressive, from climbing 40 of the 54 mountains over 14,000 feet in Colorado, to his love of driving his Harley that he embraced in his 50’s. Moving back to Atlanta in 2012, Bob and Jeanne enjoyed retirement spending much of their time visiting their families, enjoying their grandchildren, as well as traveling to see friends and seeing sights throughout the country. Bob was a proud veteran, very loving, a friend to all, always on the move, humble, kind, and a man of strong faith. He read his Bible every day and was a firm believer of the Golden Rule.

Bob is preceded in death by his parents Gene and Leona Coats; sister Jean Lee Landgraf; brother John Coats.

Bob is survived by his wife Jeanne, his daughters Amy Drohan(Matt) and Jennifer Sammon(Bill); grandchildren Colby & Carly Drohan; Reilly, Danny, & Maggie Sammon; his sister Bonnie Ribbing; brother David Coats(Nancy) and many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life will be Saturday, April 6, 2024, 11:00a at Birmingham United Methodist Church, 15770 Birmingham Hwy, Milton, GA 30004. Rev. Mike Morgan will officiate.
 

The family requests those who wish to express sympathy to consider making a donation to Robert Holden Memorial Scholarship Fund in memory of Bob Coats. 
Payable to:
Columbia American Legion Ladies Auxiliary

Columbia American Legion Post 581
375 E. Locust St.
Columbia, IL 62236
Attn: Legion Ladies Aux

Scott Huskins Funeral & Cremation Services is in charge of the arrangements. 678.771.5566  scotthuskins.com

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