Thomas J. Coates

KEWANEE - Thomas John Richard Coates, 92, of Kewanee, died Wednesday, July 26, 2017 at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria, IL.

Thomas was born January 25, 1925, in Neponset, the son of Robert Richard and Ethel (Headley) Coates. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Robert F. (Shirley) Coates of Princeton; two sisters, Elizabeth Coates of Neponset and Jeanne (Cecil) Gunning of Neponset; and nephew, Gary C. Coates of Princeton. 

Mr. Coates was a graduate of Neponset High School. He was a farmer on his Neponset farm his entire life. He also had a lifelong love of animals. After moving to Kewanee, he was employed for several years at Carson Pirie Scott of Kewanee and Black Hawk College of Kewanee.

Surviving Thomas are nieces, Beatrice (Gary) Coates of Princeton and Sherrilyn Coates Roberts of Petersburg, IL; and nephews Michael (Lois) Coates of Cedar Rapids, IA, Daniel (Elissa) Gunning of Galena, IL, Gregg (Paula) Gunning of Neponset, David (Barb) Coates of Cedar Rapids, IA; and Clifford (Dee) Gunning of Kewanee. Also surviving are several grandnieces and grandnephews.

Memorial services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, August 12 at Rux Funeral Home in Kewanee with Rev. Michael Selburg officiating. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at the funeral home. Graveside services will follow at Evergreen Memory Gardens, south of Kewanee. Memorials may be directed to Henry County Mobile Meals.

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