Michael Coates

(From Ozark Funeral Home)

Michael Edward Coates, 65, passed away peacefully on May 31, 2026, in Pineville, Missouri, surrounded by the love of his family.

Born on December 7, 1960, in Stony Point, New York, Michael lived a life marked by kindness, dedication, and love for those around him.

Michael proudly served his country in the United States Air Force for 16 years. After his military service, he spent 25 years working in the Information Technology department at Walmart. He was hardworking, dependable, and dedicated, but if you knew Michael, you knew his career was only one small part of who he was.

Long before he was an Air Force veteran, husband, father, grandfather, or friend, he was a kid who could always find adventure and sometimes trouble. His mom loved telling stories about him and would laugh as she called him a "hell raiser." Somehow, Michael always seemed to find himself in the middle of something unexpected. Those stories became some of the family's favorites because they captured his fearless spirit and larger-than-life personality.

Michael had a special love for animals that never faded throughout his life. In true Michael fashion, his love for animals wasn't exactly ordinary. Family and friends still laugh about the time he had an alligator living in the bathtub. It sounds unbelievable, but for those who knew him, it was just another Michael story one more example of his adventurous heart and his affection for every creature he came across.

Many of the people who knew Michael had been by his side for most of their lives. They looked up to him because he was the kind of man you could always count on. He had a way of cutting through the noise and seeing situations clearly. Whether someone was facing a difficult decision, a personal struggle, or simply needed honest advice, Michael was the person people called. He had remarkable common sense, a gift that can't be taught, and his friends deeply valued his wisdom and perspective. More importantly, they knew he would always have their backs no matter what.

But Michael wasn't all serious advice and life lessons. He was fun. He was the guy who could make people laugh, tell a great story, and make every gathering a little better just by being there. His sense of humor, loyalty, and genuine love for people made him someone others naturally gravitated toward.

Music was another one of his passions. He especially loved Pink Floyd and could often be found listening to their music, getting lost in the songs he loved. Whether he was enjoying music, spending time with family and friends, caring for animals, or sharing stories from his life, Michael lived life fully and unapologetically.

One of Michael's greatest accomplishments wasn't something that could be listed on a résumé it was the family he helped build. Alongside his sons, Michael built the house they live in today, pouring countless hours of hard work, determination, and pride into every part of it. Anyone who worked alongside him knew that Michael ran a tight ship. Excuses weren't accepted, and "good enough" rarely met his standards. He pushed his boys harder than they often thought they could go, expecting them to give their best in everything they did. At times, that toughness wasn't always easy to understand, but it came from a place of love and a desire to prepare them for life. Michael saw strength in his sons long before they saw it in themselves. Through his guidance, high expectations, and unwavering belief in their potential, he helped shape them into the men they are today. The house they built together stands as more than just a home it is a lasting symbol of his work ethic, his determination, and the legacy he leaves behind in his family.

Michael was also a good man whose love knew no limits. When he chose to marry Kathi, he wholeheartedly embraced not only her, but also her two children and her mother, welcoming them all as family. His devotion, generosity, and steadfast love helped create the close-knit family they shared. To Kathi, Michael was far more than a husband he was her heart and her whole world.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Kathi Coates; his sons, Garrett (Inez) Coates, Christopher (Danielle) Sorrells, and Matthew (Ashley) Morrison; his daughter, Megan Coates; and his eight grandchildren, Zackery Morrison, Paige Sorrells, Kolby Sorrells, Faith Sorrells, Amir Marcel, Tiana Charmaine, River Cash Coates, and Braden Coates and Barbara Coates.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Wilis James Coates and Mary Lynn Sharp.

A memorial service will be held 10 a.m. Saturday, June 6 at Pineville Christian Church.