Lewis Frank Coats, 95, passed away Wednesday, September 23, 2015 at Bethany Care Center.
Lewis was born July 31, 1920 South of Ridgeway in Harrison County the son of Charley Henry and Edith (Wilson) Coats. He grew up in the Bridgeport community and attended Young School and Bethany High School.
He was married to Nellie Mae Burton June 3, 1956. She preceded him in death April 31, 1994.
Lewis worked as a farm hand for neighbors in the area. He was drafted into the army during the Second World War. He received his training at Ft. Lewis, Washington and at bases in New York, New Jersey, and Camp Roberts in California before he shipped out to the European theater of war. He spent the next years in France and Belgium before Germany’s surrender.
In the army Lewis received the Victory Ribbon, the Eastern Theater Ribbon, the Good Conduct Ribbon, and two overseas service medals.
He received the state of Missouri’s World War II Veteran’s Medal and a certificate signed by Governor Bob Holden honoring him for his service to his country.
Lewis and his wife lived 3 miles north of Bethany for several years. Later he had an apartment at the Bethany Housing Complex. On February 27, 2004 he entered the Bethany Care Center to spend his final years. He was a member of the Immanuel Baptist Church in Bethany. He was a happy, friendly person and a kind hearted man known by many in the Bethany area.
In addition to his wife, Lewis is preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Nellie Osborn.
Survivors include nieces, Marilyn (Gary) Morrow, Marshall, MO; Sharon (Dewayne) Clark, Fairfax, MO; Dixie (Larry) Starmer, Martinsville, MO; and several great nieces and great nephews.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, September 25 at Roberson Funeral Home, Bethany, MO. Burial with military rites will follow in Miriam Cemetery, Bethany, MO. The family will receive friends for 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. Friday at the funeral home where friends may call after 9:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Senior Citizens Center, Immanuel Baptist Church and/or Miriam Cemetery in care of Roberson Funeral Home, PO Box 46, Bethany, MO 64424. Online condolences may be left at www.robersonfuneralhome.com.