Brian R. Coale

Brian R. Coale, age 49, of Herrin, Illinois, passed away on Tuesday, November 4, 2025 at 8:26 a.m.
He was born on November 13, 1975, in Carmi, Illinois, to Stephen Robert and Donna Dee (Hughes) Coale.
Brian was a graduate of Marion High School, and continued his education at Southern Illinois University–Carbondale, where he earned his bachelor's degree.
He has built a respected career for the last ten years or more at Aisin Manufacturing in Marion, Illinois, working as an assistant manager.
He married Meridith Phelps on November 13, 2020 in Carterville, IL and together they shared five years of marriage.
Brian was a devoted husband, father and step-father, who took great pride in his family. His recent joy came from becoming a grandfather - a role he embraced with immense pride and excitement. He loved simple pleasures of life like simply spending time with his wife.
Brian will be remembered for his kindness, his steady presence, and the love he gave so freely to those around him. His legacy will live on in the hearts of his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.
He is survived by his wife, Meridith Coale of Herrin; daughter, Presley Coale of Herrin; step-son, Cohl Phelps (fiancé, Laney) of Johnston City, IL; parents, Steve and Donna Coale of Marion; parents-in-law, Maj. Thomas and Karen Phelps of Carbondale, IL; granddaughter, Evanora Rose Phelps; brothers, Eric (Ruthann) Coale of Marion and Christopher (Brandi) Coale of Marion; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Thomas and Jane Phelps of Spokane, WA; sister-in-law, Amanda Phelps of Carbondale; and several uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins, other extended family members and friends.
He was preceded in death by his paternal and maternal grandparents and his beloved fur baby, Cooper.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, 900 North Court Street, Marion, IL.
The visitation will be at Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home on Monday, November 10, 2025 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.
The funeral service will be at Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home on Tuesday, November 11, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor John Howard presiding.
For those who prefer, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to "St. Jude Children's Research Hospital." Envelopes will be available at the funeral home or may be mailed c/o Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, 900 North Court Street, Marion, IL 62959.
For additional information call the funeral home at 618-993-2131. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Brian, please visit our floral store.