Steven Duane Coats

“One of a Kind”

Steven D. passed away peacefully at his daughter’s home on June 23, 2025, in Austin, CO at the age of 89. He was born on May 4, 1936 in Ft. Lupton, CO to Paul and Bessie Coats.

He married the love of his life, Kathryn Jo Saylor, on March 1,1955 in Raton, NM and enjoyed 69 years together. They had 7 children, Lance, Mark, Robin, Susan, Rex, Lisa, and CoCo. They lived in multiple Colorado mountain towns while he worked as an Operating Engineer in the construction industry. He was the youngest in his field in the world and at that time, held multiple World Production Records, being an integral part in the construction of the Dillon, Blue Mesa and Marrow Point Dams. He could proficiently run any kind of heavy equipment, as well as repair them.

He eventually settled his family in Crawford, Colorado and began working for US Steel in the coal mining industry. He was a part owner in a family logging business, a master electrician, truck driver, and mechanic. He was known for being a jack of all trades, master of all. He believed if something was worth doing, it was worth doing it well and instilled that work ethic in his children.

Steve accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior and was baptized in the North Fork River on July 20, 1969. He enjoyed being outdoors, fishing, hunting, taking drives through the countryside, loved his RV adventures with Kathy, telling stories, and was an avid dog lover, being partial to St. Bernards and Dachshunds. He was a Master Mason in the Masonic Lodge for many years and had attained a 60 Year Membership Pin. In his younger years he was a Golden Gloves boxer and taught his children to box, even his girls.

Steve loved his family deeply. He was known for giving his family members nicknames, but especially his grandchildren, often forgetting their real ones. His legacy lives on through his descendants and will forever be missed as the “Patriarch” of his family.

He is survived by: Children - Lance & Karen Coats of Chandler, AZ, Robin Campbell of Hurricane, UT, Susan & Ronald Vincent of Austin, CO, Rex Coats & Julie Mock of Crawford, CO, Lisa & Steve West of Paonia, CO, and Kimberly (CoCo) & Patrick James of Casper, WY, 19 Grandchildren, 34 Great Grandchildren, and 4 Great-Great Grandchildren, a Sister in-Law – Laura Saylor of Phoenix, AZ, a Brother In-Law – Harry Saylor of Bailey, CO.

He was proceeded in death by: Wife - Kathryn Coats, Parents - Paul and Bessie Coats, Brother - Gary Coats, Sister - Lila Masten, Son - Mark Coats, and Grandson - Seth James.

“But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord”

A service will be held in Steve’s honor on:

July 26, 2025 at 2:30pm

Saddle Mountain Fellowship Church

3242 Stearman Lane, Crawford, CO.

Desert and refreshments will be served.

Following his service, there will be a Life Celebration:

The Schut Residence

78209 Basalt Road, Crawford, CO.

A picnic style dinner will be served.