Charles Coate

Charles Richard (Rich) Coate went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, February 1, 2023.  He was 74 years old.  He was born in Ponca City, OK on August 1, 1948 to Calvin and Anne Coate and was the oldest of four children.  After graduating from Tempe High School in 1966, he enlisted in the United States Navy where he worked as a torpedoman on a submarine, the USS Seadragon, serving for four years.  He was stationed in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.  He loved serving his country and had fond memories of his time in the military.

In 1970, he met his future wife, Debra, and they married in November of 1972.  He and Debra started their lives together in Tempe, AZ where he began working as a carpenter. They had two children, Patrick and Robin. In 1977, the family relocated to Flagstaff, AZ where Rich started his own business, Ponderosa Construction, working as a general contractor for 30 years.

Rich coached soccer for many years and he loved everything about it.  Despite having never played a day in his life, he became an expert in the sport and excelled at teaching it to others. The impact he made on the lives of the players he coached was far reaching.  He was also an avid outdoorsman who loved to hunt and fish with his family or anyone who was willing to join him. A faithful follower of Christ, he found immense joy in encouraging others in their faith.  Throughout the years, he served the Lord and others in many different ministries, but he was probably best known for cooking “the best bacon ever” at men’s fellowship breakfasts.  A friendly and outgoing man who didn’t know a stranger, his love for others was evident. He was a loving and kind husband, father, papa, and friend to many.

Rich is survived by his wife of 50 years, Debra; children: Patrick Coate and Robin (Thad) Wright; grandchildren: Camdyn, Malia, & Kiersten Wright; mother: Anne Lorsbach; sister: Judy (Ozzie) Williams; brother: Danny (Melinda) Coate; sister-in-law: Kara Coate, and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his dad, Calvin Coate, and his brother Bob Coate. Although his absence here on earth leaves a huge hole in the hearts of those who loved him most, he is rejoicing in his heavenly home with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Memorial services will be held on Saturday, February 25th, 2023 at 1:00pm at Calvary Bible Church, 629 27 ½ Rd., Grand Junction, CO 81506.