Ronnie Dean Coates

Ronnie Dean Coates, one of eight children of Velletta Grace (Anderson) and Ronald Eugene Coates, was born in Council Bluffs, Iowa on September 18, 1961. Ron grew up in Malvern, Iowa and graduated with the Malvern High School Class of 1980. He enlisted in the United States Army in November 1982 and proudly served his country until February 1997. He obtained the rank of Sergeant and earned the Army Achievement Medal in 1986 and the Bronze Star in 1991. Following his honorable discharge, Ron worked in the landscaping business for Struyk Turf in Council Bluffs, enjoyed his rural paper route for Omaha World Herald, and most recently was the Maintenance Supervisor for The Brandeis Building in Omaha, NE.

Ron and Karen (Hunt) Stephens were married on February 14, 2001 in Ormond Beach, FL and established their home in Malvern, Iowa. Their marriage was blessed with three children Blake (Stephens), Grace, and Kevin.

Ron was a man with many hobbies and interests. He enjoyed working on cars, finding the elusive morel mushrooms, raising chickens, gardening, fishing, hunting, and spending time with his family.

Ron and Karen had been married for 11 years when Ron died at home on May 11, 2012, at the age of 50 years, 8 months, and 23 days. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Ron is survived by his wife Karen and their three children, Blake, Grace, and Kevin, all of Malvern; brothers, Kevin Anderson and wife Kathy of Glenwood, IA, and Michael Coates and wife Brandy of Hastings, IA; sisters, Cindy Carnes and husband Steve of Malvern, Dianne Fritz and Bob Lewis of Tabor, IA, Deanne Buffington and husband Mike of Pacific Junction, IA, Michelle Study and husband Jason of Tabor, and Wendy Blackman and husband Chris of Malvern; 19 nieces and nephews; 18 great nieces and nephews; other relatives and friends.

Memorial services with military honors were held on Monday, May 28, 2012 at the Malvern United Methodist Church. A memorial fund in Ron's name has been established at the Malvern Trust & Savings Bank. Loess Hills Funeral Home (former Mansfield-Hertz) of Malvern assisted Ron's brothers and sisters with arrangements.