Coates, Harold Lee
July 19, 1921 - Dec. 4, 2010
Harold Lee Coates, 89, Venice, Fla. died Saturday, Dec. 4, 2010. Survivors include his wife of almost 68 years, Wynema; daughters Marcia (Jack) Puckett of Oxford, Ohio, Carol (Fred) Downs of Frankfort, Ind. and Cheryl (David) Morris of Groveland, Fla.; sister Jean (Don) Seyfried) of Vista, Calif.; nephew Steve (Mary) Seyfried of Saugus, Calif.; eight grandchildren; John (Julia), Jim (Polly), Meghan (Mark), Mindy, Sarah (Duncan), Tom (Laura), Daniel and Elizabeth; 14 great-grandchildren; Jared, Hannah, Jaime, Dylan, Rachel, Jack, Emma, Austin, Rose, Grace, Cody, Logan, Tanner and Payton.
Harold was born July 19, 1921 in Indianapolis, Ind., to Lee and Grace Lemasters Coates. He graduated from Southport High School; attended Ball State University; served in the US Navy (1942-45); and retired from Eli Lilly Pharmaceutical Co. after 37 years.
Harold's faith was expressed in music and ministry as a soloist, member of the Missionaries Quartet; choir director of Edgewood United Methodist Church in Indianapolis for 25 years; director of Men for Missions Chorus at OMS International conventions; music leader of many revivals, retreats and missionary meetings; and member of Christ United Methodist Church choir. He also served as president of the Men for Missions Council, volunteered at OMS Int. headquarters in Greenwood, Ind. for 17 years, and went to Haiti, Columbia, Ecuador and Spain on mission trips. He was also the director of the Eli Lilly Company Chorus and other community choirs.
He was a member of Christ United Methodist Church on Center Road in Venice, where a memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 8. Memorial donations may be made to the Christ United Methodist Church Mission Fund.
Ewing Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
5 Entries
January 7, 2011
We were so sorry to hear of the passing of Mr. Coates. Memories are so precious; share them while you can. You have our greatest sympathy.
-- Steve, Pam, Brandon, Brad and Callie George of Oxford --
January 6, 2011
Paula Joe
I was so touched and inspired by reading about his life full of service to those around him. What an example to leave his family (a large one!) and all of us.
January 5, 2011
I did not know Harold well, though I am sure I met him as a child. What I do know is his legacy of love, part of which is exampled ( is that a word?) by his lovely daughter Carol. I have never been with her, though good times and bad, when she did not 'light up the room'. The Holy Spirit flows through her as I am sure it did through him. What a blessing to be part of a world where the love of this man lives on in those he loved. Elizabeth Downs, Eugene, Oregon
January 5, 2011
Megan Wickersham
Such a legacy. What a blessing to have a grandfather like this!
With much much love and many wonderful memories,
Megan, Mark, Rose and Grace
January 5, 2011
Tom & Laura
Heaven's a big house with lots of room, with a big table with lots of food, a big yard where you can play FOOTBALL, and probably a big piano to accompany you while you sing. We'll miss you, Grandpa.
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