Charles Coats

Charles Coats, son of Mamie Coats-Miller and Charles Price, was born on Friday, November 25, 1938, in Chicago, IL. In his childhood home, raised in the Methodist faith as Mamie's only child, he always knew and loved the Lord, family and was a beloved brother to many cousins. Educated in the Chicago Public School system, and having strong interest in the skilled trades taught at Washburn Trade School and Crane High School, the consummate mechanic was born before his January 1958 graduation.

Before becoming a bus driver and advancing to Garage Foreman, at Chicago Transit Authority, where he retired after 34 years, Charles took pride in his jobs as a hospital porter and on the line at a printing company. This allowed him to purchase his first car while enjoying drag racing, car maintenance and repair. Drafted into the United States Army, in 1962, took him away from home to his station in Fort Knox, KY and to the chance encounter with the love of his life, Barbara Birdsong.

The two married and settled in Chicago, shortly after his 1964 honorable discharge, and had four children. In their 42 years of marriage, Charles and Barbara opted for and enjoyed road trips, with their children and later together, throughout the country to spend time with family and friends. On Tuesday, January 4, 2022, Charles would advise doctors, at the hospital, that he just wanted to go home. No one knew, this was his two-week notice.

Though 15 years and 6 months separates their earthly retirements, just like Barbara, Charles departed from home on a Tuesday, the 18th of the month and with clear blue and sunny skies above for his last trip. Charles has now been reunited with his beautiful wife, son Christopher, parents and many family members that journeyed before him. Left to love, cherish and appreciate all that he gave are his three daughters: Veronica, Denise and Debra, all of Chicago, IL, seven grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren, countless cousins, in-laws, nieces, nephews and friends.