Donald Ray Coats

Donald was born July 5, 1937 in Sulphur, OK to the late Orb Bailey & Bertha (Osborne) Coats. He died on Veteran’s Day, Saturday, November 11, 2017 in Norman, at the age of 80 years, 4 months & 6 days. Donald and the former Ms. Connie Ann Fair were married on October 20, 1961 at the Webb Air Force Base in Big Spring, TX.

Donald grew up in Sulphur. Following his 1956 graduation from Sulphur High School, he enlisted in the United States Air Force. After a 28 year career with the Air Force, Donald retired in 1984 achieving the rank of Senior Master Sargent. In 1986, following their move from New Mexico to Moore, he began working as a civilian aircraft mechanic and quality control officer at the Tinker Air Force Base, working until his second retirement in 2000. Donald was a perfectionist at everything he did. Whether it was tending his garden, fishing or doing intricate woodwork, his finished product was perfect. The most perfection he found in his life was that of his family, for in his eyes, they were indeed perfect.

Survivors include his loving wife, Connie; one daughter, Donya Borum & husband Douglas of El Reno; one son, Donald R. Coats, Jr. & wife Cindy of Kansas City, MO; two grandsons, Chris Aaron & Andrew Aaron; one great-granddaughter Kinzee Grace Aaron; one sister, Phyliss Wynn & husband Allan of Sulphur; one brother, Gene Bailey Coats of El Reno; as well as numerous nieces & nephews; and his “lil furry friend,” Sassy.

Serving as pallbearers will be Chris Aaron, Andrew Aaron, Doug Borum, Allan David Wynn, Jim Coats and Wayne Coats.

In addition to his parents, Donald was preceded in death by one brother, Edwin Coats.