Michael Coats

Michael L. Coats, 72, of West Mansfield, passed away Wednesday, October 6, 2021 at Memorial Hospital of Union County.

Mike loved being outside, taking care of his yard, whether it was mowing or tending to the garden. He also enjoyed riding motorcycles, going to watch the tractor pulls and in his younger years was often out to compete in the tractor pulls. Known for his willingness to help, he was always there to lend hand anywhere it was needed.

A 1967 graduate of Kenton High School, he first worked for the Erie Lackawana Railroad, moved on to farming before driving truck for many years with Central Transport. He then started his own company, Coats Trucking which he owned and operated until he retired. Retirement didn’t last long, most recently he was driving again, working with Black Trucking.

Born January 20, 1949 in Kenton, he was the son of the late Thurman W. and Juanita (Clapsaddle) Coats. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his sister, Opal Sproull.

On September 26, 2016 at their home in West Mansfield, he married Miriam (Hitt) Coats and she survives in West Mansfield. He is also survived by his children, Shauna (Kevin) Chapman of Richwood, Dan (Traci) Coats of West Mansfield and Kristi (Chris) Bothel of West Mansfield; step-children, Marsha (Kevin) Fausnaugh of Plain City, Mindy (Donnie) Hager of Brandenburg, KY, James (Emily) Blue of Richwood, Josh Blue of West Mansfield and Marianne (Curtis) Wilgus of West Mansfield; grandchildren, Jessica Osborne, Andrea Chapman, Ashley LeVan, Ryan Chapman, Zaiden Chapman, Thomas Coats, Kiarra Coats and Kaydence Bothel; step-grandchildren, Julie Fausnaugh, Julia and Miah Cheney, Charlie Stewart, Jeffrey Clark, Kendal Swiger, Caragh Clark, Rylan Hager, Hayden Blue, Olivia Blue, Kade Thomas, Hunter Wilgus, Drake Wilgus and Jax Wilgus; great grandchildren, Alexis Chapman, Jaxyn Pratt, Aaliyah McCoy and Arika Chapman; a sister, Sandy (Jim) Foster of Richwood; mother-in-law, Etta Mae Hitt of Richwood; along with numerous nieces, nephews, other extended family and friends.

Friends may call from 2-5 P.M. Sunday, October 10, 2021 at Wilson Funeral Home, Schnurrenberger Chapel 222 W. Center St. West Mansfield. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Monday, October 11, 2021 at the funeral home. Pastor Joe Rhea will officiate and burial will follow at the York Cemetery.  Memorial contributions can be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research or the American Heart Association. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.wilsonfuneralhomesinc.com