Rickie Alton Coats

In Loving Memory of Rickie Alton Coats July 5, 1949 - February 15, 2026

Rickie Alton Coats, 76, passed away on February 15, 2026. Rickie was a proud American, devoted husband, loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He lived a life defined by service, strength, and unwavering dedication to those he held dear. Rickie honorably served his country for 25 years in the United States Army and the National Guard, retiring as a Staff Sergeant. This included service during the Vietnam War. His bravery and dedication earned him numerous medals and commendations, including the Bronze Star, Vietnam Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, along with many other recognitions for his faithful military service. He carried immense pride in serving his country and exemplified honor and commitment throughout his life. Above all, Rickie loved his wife, Gail Coats, of 56 years beyond measure and treasured every moment spent with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Family vacations brought him immense joy, especially when everyone could be together creating memories that will be cherished forever. Rickie found happiness in life’s simple pleasures. He loved traveling to the casino - especially Las Vegas. At home, he enjoyed building birdhouses, working in the yard, tending to his flowers, and caring for his stray cats. He had a generous spirit. Rickie’s life was one of honor, loyalty, love, and strength. He served his country faithfully and loved his family fiercely. He will be deeply missed, forever remembered, and always honored by those who were blessed to know him.

He is preceded in death by: his parents Junior and Daytheal Coats; sister Brenda Elinburg (Watson, AR); brothers Dennis Coats (Caraway, AR) and Barry Coats (Greenbriar, AR); brother-in-laws Joe Elinburg (Watson, AR), Manual Armstrong (Dumas, AR), Gray Rosamond (Rivervale, AR), Guy Rosamond (Parkin, AR), and Bobby Joe Lindsey (Belleville, IL); sister-in-laws Sarah Jo Lindsey (Belleville, IL) and Mary Roy (Booneville, MS); and several nephews.

He is survived by: his wife Sondra Gail Rosamond Coats (Rivervale, AR); daughters Tonya Stanton (Tim) (Frankfort, IL), Shannon Dover (Michael) (Lepanto, AR); son Shane Coats (Jennifer) (Etowah, AR); brother Timmy Coats (Bee Branch, AR); sister Sandy Armstrong (Dumas, AR); brother-in-law Ronny Rosamond (Mandalay, AR) and Johnny Rosamond (Rivervale, AR); sister-in-law Evelyn Paschall (Germantown, TN) and Gwen Forrestor (Mark) (Harrison, AR); grandchildren Casey Doyle (Jeff) (Monee, IL), Lindsey Pawlisz (Nick) (Monee, IL), Breanna McQueen (Joshua) (Lepanto, AR), Britney Coats (Etowah, AR), Whitney Cochran (Samuel) (Dyess, AR), and Dylan Dover (Russellville, AR); step-grandchildren Kevin Hudson Jr (Elsie) (Holland, AR) and Destinee Hudson (Cody) (Lepanto, AR); great-grandchildren Naomi Kemper, Ann Marie Doyle, Liam Doyle, and Jaziah McQueen; step-great-grandchild Paislee Fore; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be Thursday, February 19, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. at Delancey Funeral Home with Pastor RJ Platz officiating. The family will receive visitors starting at 1:00 p.m. until the start of the funeral.

Burial will follow in the Potter Memorial Cemetery.

Reception will follow the burial service and be held at 12881 Highway 140 N in Lepanto. 

Honored to serve as Pallbearers will be: Dylan Dover, Kevin Hudson Jr, Joshua McQueen, Cody Fore, Nick Pawlisz, and Jeff Doyle. Honorary Pallbearer will be Samuel Cochran.