Clara Almeda Coates, 90 of Denton went to be with her Lord and Savior on Wednesday, October 15th, 2008 at Denton Good Samaritan Village.

Clara was born near Blooming Grove, Texas on March 27, 1918 to Robert Colin and Arvie Melinda Katherine "Lovie" McSween.   She graduated from high school in Denton, Texas.  She attended North Texas College (now the University of North Texas) during the depression and graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Education in 1940.  After graduation she taught Art and Penmanship for three years in the Burkburnett School District.  During World War II she helped the war effort by working at North American Aviation in the art department.

She married Bruce C. Coates on October 31, 1942 and was happily married for 65 years.  Clara was a member of the First Christian Church and had been a member there for sixty plus years. Clara offered a lifetime of service through her church, community, and the Lioness Club of Denton.

She is survived by her husband Bruce C. Coates, her son Robert Bruce Coates and his wife Debbie of Denton, a grandson Bruce Kyle Coates and his wife Tami of Hickory Creek, TX and her four great grandchildren Destiney Stone, Noah Stone, Claire Coates, and Cole Coates.  She is also survived by her sisters, Louise Creason of Corona, California, Mary Lagleder and her husband Ray of Denton, a sister-in-law Carolyn McSween of Denton, and a brother H.D. "Buddy" McSween and his wife June of Aubrey.  Also surviving are her nephews Terry McSween and his wife Cami of Montgomery, Roger McSween and his wife Elizabeth of Denton, Larry McSween and his wife Windi of McKinney, Ray Lagleder Jr. and his wife Margie of Denton, and niece Susie Creason of Corona, CA.

She is also survived by many great nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will be:  Bruce Kyle Coates, Roger McSween, Chris McSween, Larry McSween, and Ray Lagleder, and Warren Hoffpauir.

Funeral Service will be at Mulkey Mason Funeral Home Chapel, on October 17, 2008 at 2:00 P.M. with the Reverends Don Bohlcke and Charlotte Nabors, officiating.  Burial will follow in the Roselawn Memorial Park.

Visitation will be at Mulkey-Mason Funeral Home on Thursday, October 16th from 7 to 8 P.M.  705 N. Locust Denton.

Memorial Donations-First Christian Church Memorial Fund, 1203 Fulton, Denton, TX 76201.