Dennis Coate

Dennis F. Coate, 88, of Olivet died at 7:39 p.m. Sunday March 19, 2006 at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana. He was born on August 27, 1917 in rural Georgetown the son of Eber and Irma Kendric Coate. He married Norma L. Collins on September 14 1947 at Union Corner Church in Danville. She survives. Also surviving is one son Phillip Coate of Olivet. He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Stephen Coate and one sister Eloise Carney. Dennis started to school at Sharon grade school which was a one room schoolhouse on Sharon Lane, south of Georgetown, until the sixth grade. Then he attended Olivet, and Ridge farm and Georgetown High Schools. Dennis was a long-time apple grower south of Georgetown and retired in 1989. He won first place in the Illinois 95% Clean Apple Club four times which is judged by the Ill Horticulture Society. Dennis served in the U.S. Army from June 1941 to January 13, 1946. He was in the 115th Calvary, then the 11th Airborne Division in the Pacific Theater, Luzon, Philippines and Okinawa, Japan. Dennis was with the first group of the 187th infantry of the 11th airborne division to land at Atsugi airport in Japan, for occupation, before the Armistice was signed. He saw General Macarthur come in, in the afternoon. Dennis served on the Georgetown Fair Board for 25 years and was one of the original Olivet Water Board Members for 25 years. He was a member of the Vermilion Grove Friends Church and a life member of the Illinois Horticulture Society. He was also a member of the American Legion Dornblazer Post 203 in Georgetown. Dennis and Norma enjoyed traveling, fishing, and taking care of his garden and yard. He especially enjoyed being with his son Phillip. A celebration of Denniss life will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, March 24, 2006 at Sunsets Houghton-Leasure Funeral Home. Officiating: Pastor James Walker. Burial: Vermilion Grove Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m. Thursday March 23, 2006 at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Vermilion Grove Friends Church.