Joe H Coats Jr.

Joe Coats was born April 9, 1936 in Burkburnett, Texas. He died peacefully on April 23, 2023. He was survived by his loving wife of 65 years Lois Coats and also survived by his two sons Joel Coats, Philip Coats, and his 4 grandchildren David Coats, Mark Coats, Daniel Coats, and Michael Coats.

Joe entered the Army reserves in 1953 as a Tank Gunner. After his mother signed a waiver to join the Air Force, he did so in 1954. His intent was to be a security Policeman as he had been promised a job with the Highway Patrol upon leaving the service. Fortunately for the Air Force and unfortunately for the Highway Patrol Joe scored so high on his Military entrance evaluation that he was placed into the Jet Engine program for training.

Joe began working on B 36’s and worked on engine programs from the J-47 to the Pratt & Whitney F100. Joe served 2 years of combat duty in Vietnam and received the outstanding Unit with Valor and the Vietnam service metal with bronze stars. Joe served as the senior enlisted  advisor for Air Force Systems Command and was the eyes and ears of the commanding general for approximately three years. During those three years he was the command NCO for area 51, the flight test center at Edwards Air Force Base, Skunk Works, and many other locations. Joe retired from the Air Force after over 33 years of service.

As much as Joe loved the Air Force he also loved and cherished his relationship with his wife Lois and his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. After his retirement Joe enjoyed traveling with his wife Lois in their RV. He served as an executive with the Gideons distributing Bibles throughout the Intermountain West. Joe was a deacon in the church and administered to the sickly and elderly. He will be dearly missed.

Funeral Services will be held Wednesday May 3, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at Lindquist’s Layton Mortuary 1867 No. Fairfield Road, Layton, Utah. Friends may visit with family from 9:30 to 10:30 at the mortuary. A Celebration of Life will follow at the Mountain View Baptist Church 2585 E. 3000 N. Layton, Utah 84040.

Interment-Lindquist’s Memorial Park at Layton

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