Lawton, OK
A joyous Celebration of Life Memorial Service to honor Rusty’s life and legacy will be held at Union Valley Baptist Church, 189028 US-277, Randlett, OK 73562, Sunday, January 18, 2026 at 2:00 p.m., Chaplain Greg Baxter officiating.
Russell Earl “Rusty” Coats was born to Robert Earl “Bob” Coats and Dixie Jo (Wilson) Coats on September 8, 1953 and departed this life in Lawton, OK on January 2, 2026 at the age of 72 years, 3 months and 25 days.
Rusty grew up in Walters. He was active with FFA and wheat harvesting. He graduated from WHIS in 1973.
Through the years he made his home in Wichita Falls, Walters, Irvine, CA, Eldorado, KS, back to Walters, then to Lawton. He married Jan Sprouse Coats on March 6, 2015 in California in Redwood Forest and they made Lawton their home.
Rusty worked a short stint for the Walters Fire Department, then started his career as a welder, welder foreman/supervisor in refineries and chemical plants for 40 plus years for Piping Engineering, ST Piping, and Worldwide Welding.
He enjoyed scuba diving, riding horses, snow skiing and camping with his children and friends. He and Jan enjoyed traveling, trail riding in their UTV’s, and serving as work-camp hosts at Snowbank Campground in Montana, Taylor Park, CO and Morganton Point, GA.
After retirement he enjoyed gardening and woodworking. He was preceded in death by his parents, Bob and Dixie Coats, and his sister, Pamela Coats.
Survivors include his wife, Jan, of the home in Lawton; his brother and sister-in-law, Rick and Leta Coats of Randlett; children, [text missing in paste]; Jared Coats and Megan of Wichita Falls, TX; and Kaylee Coats of Colorado Springs; three stepchildren, Jamie Reitz and Dennis of Norman, OK, and Jerry Blomgren of Claremore, OK; and Jordan Simon and Sam of Wayland, MI; 13 grandchildren; 10 great-grands; his best friend, Allen Boucher of Burkburnett; and other relatives.
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