Paul Coats

To great long term friend and super baseball player. I will remember you always
Bob Clifford

Sorry to learn this about Les. Condolences to his family. Les was an outstanding athlete, scholar and friend to many. Due to his quiet demeanor, I nicknamed him "the quiet one" when he was an outstanding player on our LHS baseball team and later when we played summer baseball. He hit some of the longest homeruns I ever saw.

Larry Wieties
Springfield, Illinois

Our sincere condolences to you and your family Lori on the passing of your father. May he rest in peace forever with your mom. "Death is not the end of life, but an opening of a door to an even greater eternal life in Heaven." Our thoughts and prayers are with you on this special day to remember and honor our fathers. May the memories of times spent together sustain you and give you comfort.

The Ulcigrai Family

Les was a couple of years older than me, but we were competitors in baseball. He was a role model for me - a great athlete, a good sport, and a Christian gentleman off and on the playing field.

Many years ago, Mr. Coats was my guidance counselor at Lincoln Way. He convinced me to attend the University of Illinois, an action that had a major positive impact on my life.
I am sure that during the course of his career, he was a similar positive influence for many, many other students.
God bless you, Mr. Coats.

Lucy Tyner Sugrue, Lincoln Way Class of '70

So sorry to hear this.. I worked with Les at Lincoln-way. Such a nice man. He will be greatly missed! My thoughts and prayers to his family.

There are no words.... ❤. Stay strong, & may peace & love shower upon your family.

I am sorry to hear of the passing of Les. He was one of the best baseball players I was fortunate to be a teammate of back in the 60s.

Our condolences to Les's family and friends. Pat and I were high school friends. Pat a cheerleader and I played basketball, baseball and football with Les. A great high school friend and teammate. He and the family are in our thoughts and prayers.