Ernie Coats

Ernie Melvin Coats, age 81, died May 29, 2016, from complications of Alzheimer’s disease.  Ernie was born on January 28, 1935, in Meeker, CO.  He was the son of Milo Melvin Coats and Edna Lucille (Hart) Coats,

Ernie graduated from Meeker High School and the Army Corps of Engineers School with highest honors.

He was a veteran of the U. S. Army, having served as SP3 (T) crane and shovel operator in Germany from September 30, 1954 to September 12, 1957.  He received an Honorable Discharge from the Army, and two medals: Army of Occupation Medal (Germany) and Good Conduct Medal.  He was also a highly decorated marksman.

Ernie enjoyed antique car restoration, hunting, fishing, boating, camping, four wheeling and was a Polaris Snowmobile dealer from 1970 to 1973.  He had a proud, quiet personality, a great sense of humor, an adventurous spirit, and was dedicated to his family.  He was hardworking, and loved to help others.  Known for his attention to detail and refusal to settle for less than the best he could do, Ernie was both builder and craftsman, having built and remodeled homes all over the White River Valley.

Ernie was preceded in death by his parents, Milo Melvin Coats and Edna Lucille (Hart) Coats, brother, Ellis Lee Coats, sisters, Lola Claudine Coats and Mildred Ileane (Tenny) Coats.  He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Judy Louise (Lyen) Coats, of Palisade, CO, sons, William Melvin Coats, Grand Junction, CO, Branden Lee (Andrea) Coats, Glenwood Springs, CO, daughter Barbara Mae Abrams, Grand Junction, CO, brothers, David (Cheryl) Coats, Tooele, UT, Daniel (Michelle) Coats, Longmont, CO, seven grandchildren, Bridgette, Mallory, and Shawn Coats, Lauren and Heather Abrams, and twins Adriana and Sophia Coats.

Memorial Celebration of Life will be on Saturday, July 16, 2016 at 1 p.m. at the family residence in Palisade.

In lieu of flowers, a tribute donation may be made to www.alz.org/donate.

Services have been entrusted to Brown’s Cremation and Funeral Service.