John R. Coates

John R. Coates, born November 22, 1954, in St. Louis, MO, passed peacefully in his sleep on August 17, 2024, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. He was preceded in death by his son, Charles “Charlie” Robert Coates, his parents, Jacqueline and Charles Coates, a brother, Charles Robert Coates, his brother-in-law, Hank Alexander, his mother-in-law, Evelyn Plate, father-in-law, Valentine “Bill” Plate, and special friend, Tim Buescher, who was like a son to John and Val. He is survived by his wife and best friend, Valerie (Plate) Coates, sister, Carol Coates Alexander, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Richard (Linda) Plate, Sharon (Kerry) Wengert, Michael (Molly) Plate, Bob (Kayla) Plate, and Bill Plate.

He was a much-loved uncle to Tim and Danielle Alexander, Christine Sinay, Stacey (Jon) Love, Sarah (Ryan) Skyles, Amanda (Josh) Marsden, Kerry (Tracy) Wengert II, Kacie Wengert Bryant, Kristen (Luke) Lamm, Chris (Rachel) Plate, Ben (Courtney) Plate, Emma (Jacob) Raub, several great nieces and nephews, his adopted brother, Ronnie Besselman and John and Val’s adopted son, David Biermann.

John was a machinist, car enthusiast, motorcycle rider, and loved his boats. He was gifted in his knowledge of cars. If John didn’t know the answer to a car problem, he would find it for you. One of his friends said, “He was a book of knowledge when it came to cars,” and acknowledged John’s loss by asking, “Who do we call now?”

John had many hobbies, but his favorite was working on hot rods. There was not much John could not accomplish.

John loved riding his Harley and had many great adventures riding with his wife, Val, his friends, and his special friend, David, who was like a son.

John and Val had an amazing life together, sharing equally in marriage, from yard work, to cooking and cleaning. John and Val worked together as a team, supporting each other through some very difficult life events.

John had a special place in his heart for all their animals, especially their cats, Felix, and Huntsville.

John was much loved by his family and friends, and he will be greatly missed.

John will always be in my heart. I will always love and miss you my dear John. Love Val.

Memorials may be made in John 's name to Children's Miracle Network or St Jude Children's Hospital.