Anthony "Tony" Richard Coates

Anthony "Tony" Richard Coates passed away July 11, 2023, at the VA - Community Living Center in Temple, TX. Funeral services will be held at Sneed-Carnley Funeral Chapel in Lampasas, TX, Tuesday, July 18 at 10:30 am with a visitation an hour prior. Graveside services will follow at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Killeen at 1 pm. Tony was preceded in death by his father, Bruce Coates, and his first wife, Lynda, whom he was married to 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 her sons, Jordan Klotz and wife Farah, Josh Klotz and Jake Klotz; his sister, Tracy Hamilton McIntosh and husband James and her sons, Ian McIntosh and Conner McIntosh; his aunt, Sherry Coates Navarro and her daughter, Christine Gibson; his mother, Nancy Kelley; his stepmother, Joyce Coates; Gene and Andrea Hinson and their daughter, Becca Guthrie and husband David and their children, Hoss, Rylee, Mady, Thomas, Wyatt, Kason, Emma, David Jr., Hanna, and Erynn. He was born on November 15, 1967, in Idaho Falls, Idaho. Tony grew up in southern California and graduated from North High School in Bakersfield, CA in 1986. Sensing his life needed some direction and order, Tony joined the Army in 1989 and served for 24 years as a TANKER with an outstanding and impressive career. Most notably, he served in Kuwait in 1997, Iraq 2003-2004, 2005-2006, and 2010-2011. Tony received the following decorations, medals, badges, citations, and campaign ribbons 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, achieving the rank of Master Sergeant. Tony proudly founded, hosted, and organized a yearly reunion for his fellow combat soldiers, Cougars, and Dakotas - 3-66 Armor 1-12 Infantry Group. This was due in large part to the high rate of suicide among those who serve. The reunion offered a chance for them to reunite, 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 began work at Oil States Industries for 8 years and recently worked for Securus Technologies. Tony married Holly on October 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 in The Church of the Hills in Lometa, TX. He enjoyed surfing, golfing, playing his guitar, and riding his Harley. He was a compassionate and joyous man who enjoyed time with his family and went over and above to support the people in his life. He is survived by numerous, treasured friends he made throughout his adventurous lifetime.