Norman M. Coats

Norman M. Coats, of Kirkwood, Missouri, a devoted servant of Jesus Christ and longtime member and elder of First Presbyterian Church in Kirkwood, died Tuesday, April 19, 2011 at the Manor Grove Nursing Home. Raised on a farm in the Knob Country of Southern Indiana during the Great Depression, his chief desire in life was always to be a loving Christian gentleman. He is preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Phyllis Mae (nee Prien), his brother Kenneth, and sister Anna Mary Burgess. He is survived by his children, Timothy Wayne (Mary Jeanne O'Keefe), Paul Andrew (Ellen Needle) and Janet Rose Verbarg (Rob), as well as eight grandchildren, Daniel, Bryan, Julia, Emily, David, Jessica (Peter Rodriguez) Christiana and Brian as well as many nieces, nephews and friends. Norman served our nation in WWII as a "belly gunner" on a B-17 with the 390th Bombardment Group, flying 18 missions. He graduated from Purdue University in 1950 and worked more than 35 years for Ralston Purina, retiring as Vice President of Economic & Marketing Research. He continued to work as an advisor until his passing. An Avid genealogist, Norm authored three books: Growing Up on Daisy Hill; A few thoughts from Grandpa (Letters from Grandpa to his Grandkids); and Laura: a Girl from Daisy Hill. He was proud to become a member of Sons of the American Revolution (SAR). There will be a graveside service at 2:00 PM Monday at the Swayback Cemetery with full military honors. In Lieu of Flowers, the family requests memorial gifts may be made to Swayback Cemetery c/o Paul Coats, 7923 Westlake Drive, Midland, GA. 31820.