Ralph Henry Coates, Jr.

Name: Visitation
Start: 08/03/2024 10:00 AM
End: 08/03/2024 12:00 PM
Location: Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Home

November 15, 1936 — July 4, 2024

DECATUR – Ralph H. Coates Jr., 87, of Decatur, Illinois, passed away on Wednesday, July 4, at 8:58 a.m. at Pana Health and Rehabilitation Center.

Ralph was born November 15, 1936 in Jacksonville, IL, the son of Ralph H. Coates, Sr. and Ella W. (Neece) Coates. He married Ila Maxine Chapman on January 4, 1960. Ralph graduated from Stephen Decatur High School in 1955. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Air Force. He retired from Firestone/Bridgestone Tire and Rubber Company, Clock Number 1151. He later organized the Decatur Steelworkers Organization of Active Retirees (SOAR). A special thank you to the Firestone/Bridgestone retirees whom he worked with for over 20 years. Ralph was a member of Springfield Masonic Lodge #4 AF&AM.

He is survived by his sons: Ralph H. III (Ellen Todd, deceased) Coates, Darryl T. (Tina Wright) Coates, and David T. (Charity Hilchen) Coates; grandchildren: Anna C. (Austin)Wilson, Haiden M. (Misty) Coates, Jack A. (Hanna) Coates, Benjamin T. Coates, and Kristen M. Coates; great-grandchildren: Karsyn E. and Jack T. Coates; along with beloved in-laws, nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his loving wife, Maxine; his parents; and his sister, Wanda E. (Perry) Sexton.

Ralph enjoyed ballroom dancing for many years and developed a close relationship with Jan Carpenter.

A Memorial Visitation to celebrate Ralph’s life will be held on Saturday, August 3, 2024 from 10:00 AM -12:00 PM at Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Home, Decatur. Private family burial will be held at Franklin Cemetery in Franklin, IL.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Shriner’s Children’s Hospital in St. Louis, Meals on Wheels of Decatur, or donor’s choice.

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