Wilbur L. Coates, Jr. 88 of Shadyside, Ohio died Friday, October 21, 2016 surrounded by his loving family at the Liza’s Place in Wheeling, West Virginia.
He was born May 12, 1928 in Canton, Ohio a son of the late Wilbur L. Coates, Sr. and Mary DeLucas Coates.
Wilbur was a retired employee of the Bell Atlantic Telephone Company, a member of the Lincoln Avenue United Methodist Church in Shadyside, Ohio and American Legion Post 521 Shadyside, Ohio and the Telephone Pioneer Club. He was a US Army veteran of the Korean Conflict.
He was an OVAC track official for over forty years, a founding member of the Shadyside Relays Committee and received numerous track official awards. Wilbur was a staunch Ohio State Buckeye and Cleveland Indians fan. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death his sister and brother-in-law, Joanne and Roger Ward and his brother, Don Coates.
Surviving are his wife, Connie Crunelle Coates, whom he married on February 19, 1954 in Shadyside, Ohio, three children, Cynthia (Rich) Skrabak of St. Clairsville, Ohio, Denise (James) Millward of Beaver Creek, Ohio and Mark (Ann) Coates of Shadyside, Ohio and sister-in-law, Donna Coates of Shadyside, Ohio.
Also seven grandchildren, Andrew Skrabak, Anthony Skrabak, Emily Skrabak, Julia Skrabak, Zachary Coates, Brandon Coates and Evan Millward.
Memorial visitation will be held on Saturday at the Lincoln Avenue United Methodist Church in Shadyside, Ohio from 10 am until the time of the Celebration of Wilbur’s Life at 11 am with Rev. Randy Weaver officiating. Inurnment in the Union Cemetery in St. Clairsville, Ohio at the convenience of the family.
Belmont County Council of the American Legion will conduct Full Military Honors at 10:45 am.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Lincoln Avenue United Methodist Church (CLICK HERE) or the OR & W Fire District (CLICK HERE) by going to “TMCFunding.com”.
Share your thoughts and memories with Wilbur’s family at www.bauknechtaltmeyer. com.
Arrangements by the Bauknecht-Altmeyer Funeral Homes & Crematory 3900 Central Avenue Shadyside, Ohio.
Date: Saturday, October 29, 2016
Time: 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Location:
Lincoln Avenue United Methodist Church
Date: Saturday, October 29, 2016
Time: 11:00 am
Location:
Lincoln Avenue United Methodist Church
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Jeff Turner posted on 10/29/16
I first met Wilbur when I reported to Shadyside to officiate a track meet. Being one of the younger officials and newer to officiating in Ohio, I was a little apprehensive coming on the scene in Ohio and especially being around more seasoned officials like Wilbur. But it didn't take long for that apprehension to disappear as Wilbur was one of the many officials who welcomed me. From that moment forward, I continued to get to know Wilbur better as each meet and year passed. Over time he was a great mentor to me as he showed me how to consider the rules of the sport while making sure the athletes were considered in every decision. He also demonstrated on more than one occasion that you also have to have fun and enjoy officiating. He is well-known within the track community and he will be sorely missed in that capacity. But the most pleasant surprise came after a couple of years. The officiating community tends to be small and close but what I learned one day made it even closer, at least as it relates to Wilbur. We were at Shadyside for a meet and several officials had gathered pre-meet in the parking area just north of the the track in the area where officials typically park. As we were making small talk Wilbur looked at me and out of the blue asked if I was related to Leon "Bud" Turner. I said "Yes", he was my father. Wilbur then shared with me that he knew and worked with my dad at Bell Telephone. What a small world that I would connect with one of my dad's coworkers so many years later! Wilbur - maybe you and dad can fix a telephone in heaven. My deepest condolences to family and friends as we mourn Wilbur's passing and celebrate his life! I know I will miss him. Jeff Turner