Bruce Columbus Coates, 93, of Denton, died Thursday December 23, 2010 at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital of Denton.
Mr. Coates was born on October 2, 1917 in Kerens, TX to Anderson Bruce and Maggie Bell (Howell) Coates. He was married to Clara Almeda McSween on October 31, 1942 in Burburnett, TX. They had been happily married for 65 years when Clara passed away on October 15, 2008. He was a member of the First Christian Church of Denton for 60 years. He served the church in various duties, and was made Elder Emeritus in October 2002. He was a member of the Denton Lions Club for 60 years and served as president in 1955. He served in the United States Army Air Corps during World War II. He worked many years in the automotive field at various dealerships including Leon McNatt in Denton, and Moritz/Don Davis in Arlington.
A visitation will be held from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM Monday December 27, 2010 at the funeral home. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM Tuesday December 28, 2010 in the chapel of Mulkey Mason, Jack Schmitz and Son Funeral Home, 705 N. Locust, Denton, TX. Rev. John Burton and Rev. Charlotte Nabors will officiate the service. Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park. Honorary pallbearers will be members of the Denton Lions Clubs.
He is survived by his son, Robert Bruce Coates and his wife Debbie of Denton; sister, Theora Baker of Arlington; a grandson, Bruce Kyle Coates and his wife Tami of Hickory Creek, TX; and four great grandchildren, Destiney Stone, Noah Stone, Claire Coates and Cole Coates; nieces and nephew, Sharon Kinsey, Selah Hicks, Tim Baker, Chris and Brenda McSween, Roger and Liz McSween, Terry and Cami McSween, Larry and Wendy McSween, Susie Creason, Cindy Walters, and other extended family members.
Memorials may be made to First Christian Church, 1203 N. Fulton, Denton, TX 76201; or to the Texas Lions Camp, P.O. Box 290247, Kerrville, TX 78029-0247.