Obituary of Col. David R. Coates

Lt. Col. David Richard Coates, Jr., age 79, of Buckhannon, WV died Sunday, September 25, 2016 at his home. He was born April 14, 1937 in Bluefield, WV, a son of the late David Richard and Velma Smith Coates. He is survived by his wife Brenda King McCullough of Buckhannon; several step children and step grandchildren; and one cousin, Jimmy Cole of Alexander, VA. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one son, David Bryant Coates and one sister, Billie Jean Coates Hairston. Mr. Coates was a Communication Engineer in the US Army, serving during Vietnam and retired after 21 years of service. He was a member of the VFW Post # 3663 and the Frank B. Bartlett Post # 7 American Legion. A funeral service will be in the Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, VA at a later date. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.polingstclair.com. Poling-St. Clair Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.