Lee Andrew Coats, son of James and Mary Coats, was born March 16, 1885, and died at his home in Cabool on Jan. 24, 1959, making his age at the time of his passing 73 years, 10 months and 7 days.
He was united in marriage Aug. 2, 1909, to Leona McGehee and to this union three children were born, Mrs. Cleo Gan, Cabool; James R. of Cabool. One daughter, Jewel preceded him in death in infancy.
At the time of his passing he was a member of the First Baptist church in Cabool.
He is survived by his wife, Leona, the son James and the daughter Cleo Gan. Three step grandchildren, 2 sisters, Mrs. Myrtle Timmerman and Mrs. Lillie Dove of Cabool, one brother John of Cabool and several nieces and nephews.
He was a kind and jolly man, always willing to do what he could for others and was a devoted husband and father.
He always attended church when his health permitted.
He will be sadly missed by all his family and friends.
Services were held at 2:30 Tuesday at the Cabool Baptist Church with Rev. C. O. Branson officiating burial was in the Cabool cemetery under the direction of Elliott-Gentry Funeral Home of Cabool.
Sarah Leonia McGehee, was born near Cabool on May 22, 1881, and departed this life in Springfield, Mo., on September 29, 1974 at the age of 93 years, four months and seven days. She was the daughter of Robert J. and Ola (McGraw) McGehee.
On August 2, 1909 at Houston, Mo., she was united in marriage to Lee Coats and to that union three children were born. A daughter, Jewel, preceded her in death as have her parents, two brothers, Joe and Louis, and a sister, Elizabeth Gibson.
For many years they lived in the Hamilton Creek area, later moving to Cabool. Mr. Coats died in 1959. All of her life was spent in the Cabool area with the exception of about three years, spent in Kansas. She professed her faith in the Lord many years ago, and at the time of her passing was a member of the First Baptist Church of Cabool, a fine Christian lady, who will be sadly missed.
Surviving are a son, James of Cabool, a daughter, Cleo Gan, of Cabool, three grandchildren and seven great grandchildren, also a host of other relatives and many friends. Services were held 2 p.m. Wednesday in the First Baptist Church with the Rev. Marvin Jacobs officiating. Burial was in Cabool Cemetery under the direction of Elliott-Gentry.
James Robert Coats, son of Lee A. and Leona McGehee Coats, was born February 20, 1916 in Texas County near Cabool and departed this life on March 2, 1987 at St. John's Regional Health Center in Springfield, Missouri, after a long illness.
He was preceded in death by his parents and an infant sister.
James was a lifelong resident of this area with the exception of five years that he lived in Burns, Kansas. He served his country during the World War 11, in the Pacific theater including the Phillippines and Australia as well as other Pacific areas, in the medical corps where he was awarded the Bronze Star and Good Conduct Medal. He graduated from Cabool High School in 1935 and was a long time member of the First Baptist Church of Cabool. On July 11, 1952, he and Claudia Short were united in marriage.
James served on the Cabool Police Force from November 1974 until October 1978, retiring due to ill health. He also worked at the Western Auto store in Cabool for many years and was a substitute rural mail carrier for several years.
Survivors include Claudia of the home in Cabool; three step-children, Bill Short of Baltimore, Maryland, Sandra Ferguson of St. Louis, and Judy Gilmore of Mtn. Grove; seven grandchildren; two great grandchildren; a sister, Cleo Glan (Gan) of Cabool; and other relatives.
Funeral services were 10:30 a.m. Thursday, March 5, 1987 in First Baptist Church with Rev. Dick Wakefield officiating. Burial was in the Cabool Cemetery under the direction of Elliott-Gentry.
