Anthony “Tony” Richard Coates died July 11, 2023, at the VA - Community Living Center in Temple.
Funeral services will be held at Sneed-Carnley Funeral Chapel in Lampasas on July 18 at 10:30 a.m., with visitation an hour prior. Graveside services will follow at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Killeen at 1 p.m.
Tony was preceded in death by his father, Bruce Coates, and his first wife, Lynda, to whom he was married for 28 years.
Tony is survived by his wife, Holly; Holly’s mother, Dovie Jo Lehr, and Holly’s daughter Emma Jones; his daughter, Kaylee Coates; his son, Zachary Coates and wife Breane; his sister Angelia Dimattia and sons Jordan Klotz and wife Farah, Josh Klotz and Jake Klotz; his sister Tracy Hamilton McIntosh and husband James and sons, Ian McIntosh and Conner McIntosh; his aunt, Sherry Coates Navarro and daughter Christine Gibson; his mother, Nancy Kelley; his stepmother, Joyce Coates; Gene and Andrea Hinson and their daughter Becca Guthrie and husband David and children Hoss, Rylee, Mady, Thomas, Wyatt, Kason, Emma, David Jr., Hanna and Erynn.
Tony was born Nov. 15, 1967, in Idaho Falls, Idaho. He grew up in Southern California and graduated from North High School in Bakersfield in 1986.
Tony joined the Army in 1989 and served for 24 years as a tanker. He served in Kuwait in 1997, and Iraq 2003-2004, 2005-2006 and 2010-2011. He received the following decorations and honors during his service: Iraq Campaign Medal w/four Campaign Stars, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Meritorious Unit Commendation, USN Unit, Valorous Unit Award, Army Superior Unit Award, National Defense Service Medal w/Bronze Service Star, South West Asia Service Medal w/ Bronze Service Star, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Kuwait Liberation Medal, Gold Recruiter Badge w/One Star Sapphire, and the Combat Action Badge.
Tony retired from the Army in 2013, with the rank of master sergeant.
He founded, hosted and organized a yearly reunion for his fellow combat soldiers, Cougars and Dakotas - 3-66 Armor 1-12 Infantry Group. The reunion offered a chance for them to share stories and provide support and encouragement to the soldiers and their families.
Tony received a Bachelor of Science in liberal arts from Liberty University in 2018.
After retirement, he worked at Oil States Industries for eight years and recently worked for Securus Technologies.
Tony married Holly on Oct. 23, 2022. They enjoyed taking road trips and attending concerts at a moment’s notice.
Tony was involved with the local VFW and was active at Church of the Hills in Lometa. He enjoyed surfing, golfing, playing his guitar and riding his Harley. He enjoyed time with his family and went over and above to support the people in his life.
