Clarence Eugene “Dick” Coatney was born in Cabool, Mo on September 19, 1930, to Charles and Daisy Coatney. Dick left this earthly home, with his wife Ann by his side, on March 11th, 2023. Dick is preceded in death by his parents and his sister Charlotte.
Dick was the oldest of six siblings. They were raised on the Caney Mountain Refuge where Dick learned to appreciate nature, work the land, hunt, and fish. He cherished his role as the oldest brother and worked hard to help take care of his mom and siblings.
In 1952, Dick joined the Navy. He was very proud of his Commission on the USS Mellette. He was grateful for the opportunity to serve his country and to see the world. He kept in touch with his shipmates until he was the last one left. Friendships were important to Dick, and he remembered names and stories of people and friends from 80 years ago, just like they were yesterday.
North to Alaska was the adventure of a lifetime for Dick. After years of working across the country building American pipelines, he enjoyed Alaska the most. He enjoyed the camaraderie, the challenges, and payoffs of working in such harsh and unforgiving conditions.
In 1985, the bachelor married Ann Willbanks and became a father of three. He stepped up to the plate and hit the ball out of the park! He and Ann worked the farm. They raised gardens, orchards, cattle, pigs and chickens and stocked fish in the ponds. Dick enjoyed 38 years of grandchildren tagging alongside him. Tractor rides, bucket rides, Foxtrotters and four wheelers. Fishing in ponds, digging gardens, picking tomatoes and strawberries, checking bees and cattle. Childhoods on the farm with Poppy were nothing less than perfect. He was the hero that hugged and who would not let you go until you yelled “Calf Rope!” The one who let you eat all the walnuts you cracked downstairs. The one who would cover for you with Grandma no matter what. He was the Poppy who loved them unconditionally and taught them the life skills he wanted them to learn.
Dick will be missed by all who knew him. A familiar face in town. Whether at the feed store, sale barn, grocery store or the Liars table, Dick had his cap perched just right on his head and one pant leg tucked into his boot for good luck. He was always ready to lend a hand or trade a story.
When you remember Dick, remember his kindness. His graciousness. His sense of right and wrong. His honest and trusting nature and his love for life. Remember his name and your stories about him. Because he remembered yours.
Dick was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Charlotte.
Dick is survived by his wife, Ann; three children and their spouses, Debbie and Charlie Roethler, Teresa Kimmer, and Larry and Trisha Willbanks; six grandchildren, Valarie, Eric and Crystal, Christine, Bo, Hailey, Madison, and Arinne; two great-grandchildren, Dylan and Alyssa; four sisters, Elva, Lavita, Frieda, and Retha; one brother, Denny; several nieces and nephews and many other relatives and friends.
Funeral services for Dick will be Friday, March 17, 2023 at 2:00 P.M. in the Clinkingbeard Funeral Home chapel, Gainesville, Missouri. Burial will be in the Pontiac Cemetery with full military honors. Visitation will be Friday from 1:00 P.M. to service time at the funeral home. Officiating will be Bruce DeWeese. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a cemetery of choice. Online condolences may be made to www.clinkingbeardfuneralhome.com.
