Thomas Keggie Coats, 91, son of Wilson and Phamy Coats, was born May 4, 1874 at Clara, Mo., and died at the Texas County Memorial Hospital Sept. 29, 1965.
On Dec., 4, 1892, he was married to Nellie Belcher Irvin who, with an infant son, preceded him in death on March 30, 1894.
On Sept. 13, 1896 he was married to Kizzie House who preceded him in death June 15, 1961.
Those who survive are three daughters, Stella Hogan, Cabool, Mo.; Mrs. Nellie Goldsberry, Colorado Springs, Colo.; Mrs. Beulah Pickett, Plato, Mo.; one son, Ansel L. Coats, Clara; eight grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren.
When about nine years old he joined the Science Hill Baptist Church, later moving his membership to the Union Baptist Church where he was ordained as a deacon. About 1916 he moved his membership to the First Baptist Church, Houston, where he served as a chorister and as deacon for more than 40 years. He was active in church work until infirmities limited his activities. He served in various duties with the Texas County Baptist Association.
He helped organize several old-time singing schools and was well known as a song leader and singer, having assisted many evangelists in revival meetings in the county.
He was a life long resident of the Clara community, progressive in his farming and extremely interested in community improvement.
Funeral services were conducted Oct. 2 in the First Baptist Church here with the Reverands John E. Mathews and D. F. Breazile officiating. Burial was in the Union Cemetery under direction of Davis-Barber.
Kizzie House, daughter of John and Martha House, was born at Cabool, Feb. 28, 1878 (actually near Cabool), and died June 15, 1961 making her age 83 years, 3 months, and 18 days. She was married Sept. 13, 1896 to Thomas Keggie Coats. To this union four children were born Stella Hogan, Houston, Nellie Goldsberry, Colorado Springs, Colo., Beulah Pickett, Plato, and Ansel of Clara.
She is survived by her husband, children, eight grandchildren, and 16 great grandchildren. Five grandchildren have preceded her in death.
She was a member of the Baptist Church. She was a life-long resident of Texas County and the last member of a large pioneer family that hs been well-known for more than 100 years.
Funeral srvices were conducted Sunday afternoon at the First Baptist Church in Houston with the Rev. Don F. Breazile officiating. The Amazing Grace Quartet sang favortie hymns of Mrs. Coats.
Burial was in Union Cemetery under direction of Elliotts Funeral Home. Acting pallbearers were Alvin Hogan, Paul Bennett, Stanley Redwing, Lee Bolin, Wayne House, and Mansel Coats.
