Robert L. Coates

Robert L. Coates, 79 Lakeland-Robert L. Coates passed away on August 20, 2012 at home due to complications from pancreatic cancer. Bob was born in St. Louis, Missouri on March 21, 1933, to Rev. and Mrs. C.H. Coates, the youngest of seven children. He graduated from Greenville College in Greenville, Illinois in 1956 with a BA degree in Biology/Education. In 1958, he graduated from the University of Illinois with a Master of Social Work Degree. At the time of his retirement in 1996, Bob was Director of Mental Health Services at the Winter Haven Hospital. He was predeceased by his parents, brother, Merlin Coates (Evelyn), sisters, Norma Schien (John), Lorene Groves (Wayne), Roberta Young (Lindh) and step daughter, Glyn Cay Bailey. Bob is survived by his sister, Fadra Delamarter (Walter), and brother, Rev. Herbert Coates (Mary) and his wife of 34 years, Joann Mabry Coates, daughters, Vicki Langston (Larry), Lisa Coates, Lori Parker and Julie Tucker (Rick), step sons, Dan Mann (Renee) and Charles Mann (Mitzi), step daughter, Cindy Berry (Vince), grandchildren, Adam and Erin Langston, Spencer Thoman, Sarah and Natalie Bailey, Sherilyn Young, Loren VanDruff, Emily, D.W., Jake, Amelia and Mabry Mann, Kari and Garett Schultz and Jasmin Mann, Derrick Comparato and Lexi Berry, great grandchildren, Noah Mann, Baylee Young, Jake and Bodhi Comparato and many nieces and nephews. Memorial services will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, August 25, 2012 at First Presbyterian Church, Plant City, Fl, followed by a reception in the social hall. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Presbyterian Church, 404 West Reynolds St, Plant City, Fl 33563 or United Food Bank of Plant City, 702 East Alsobrook St, Plant City, Fl 33563 or Rivers of the World (ROW), PMB 64, 6625 Hwy. 53 East, Suite 410, Dawsonville, Ga 30534. Service: 08/25/2012 First Presbyterian Church 404 West Reynolds Street, Plant City, Florida 33563