Thomas Edward Coates

Thomas Edward Coates, 92, died Monday, March 14, 2016 at his home in Bella Vista, Arkansas. He was born August 8, 1923 in Beaver Dam, Kentucky to Katie and Ezra Coates. He served six years in the U.S. Navy (1941-1947). He retired in 1972 from Tinker AFB in Oklahoma City after 26 years in Civil Service. Thomas married Lucille Jones on January 2, 1948 in Mobile, Alabama. They moved to Bella Vista in 1976. To this union, one daughter, Lisa Dianne was born. Lucille passed away October 6, 1994 and Thomas remarried Marjorie Wilson, August 12, 1995. Preceded in death by his wife of 46 years, Lucille; brother, Conrad Coates; sisters, Lucille, Catherine, Maxine and Rosa Mae; and son, Timothy Wilson. He is survived by his wife, Marjorie, one daughter, Lisa Habermehl and husband Bill; daughter, Marilee Jacobs and husband Kenneth of Hooker, Oklahoma; daughter-in-law, Tammy Wilson of Bartlesville, Oklahoma; 13 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren and a large host of friends. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, March 19, 2016 at the Bella Vista Baptist Church, 50 E. Lancashire Blvd., Bella Vista, Arkansas. Pastor Michael McCauley will officiate. Private burial will be at Benton County Memorial Park in Rogers, Arkansas. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a charity of the donor's choice. Arrangements are under the direction of Bella Vista Funeral Home & Crematory, 2258 Forest Hills Blvd., Bella Vista, Ark. 72715. On-line condolences may be made at www.funeralmation.com.