Steven Duane Coats

Steven Duane Coats obituary, Delta, CO

Steven Duane Coats

Steven Coats Obituary

Visit the Taylor Funeral Service & Crematory - Delta website to view the full obituary.

“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.

View All Photos

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Taylor Funeral Service & Crematory - Delta

682 1725 Rd, Delta, CO 81416

How to support Steven's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Steven Coats's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more