04/27/1925 – 03/09/2012
LaVarr ‘Varr’ William Coats, 86, died March 9, 2012 in Holden, Utah, of cancer. Born April 27, 1925 in Salt Lake City, Utah, to William & Marjorie (Harman) Coats, the second of six children. He married Marilyn (Matilda) Brown on January 8, 1953, in the Salt Lake Temple and enjoyed 59 years with her. They are the parents of six children. LaVarr was a devoted husband, a loving father, a caring grandfather and a beloved ‘Grandpa Great’.
LaVarr loved farming, initially in the Taylorsville area of Salt Lake City, on 4700 South, then starting anew in Holden, Utah in 1976. He marveled that in his lifetime he transitioned from the ponderous use of horses to the luxury of air-conditioned, multifunctional tractors; which he worked as recently as last summer. He served faithfully in the Central Atlantic States Mission,1948-1950 and proudly served in his country’s peacekeeping forces in Germany during the Korean War, 1950-1952. LaVarr was a man of honesty and integrity. He loved his family and his church, as demonstrated by his singular devotion to the farm and to his numerous church callings, including Bishopric counselor, Bishop, High Councilman and ever-faithful Home Teacher. He loved having his large family around him and derived great pleasure having his grand & great grandchildren underfoot, they lit up his later years.
LaVarr is survived by his wife; children: Cindy (James) Christensen, Randy (Joyce) Coats, Dale (Annamay) Coats, Diane (Kary) Monroe, Dean (Sheri) Coats and Troy (Kimberly) Coats; 27 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren; siblings: Carolyn (Richard) McDougal, Betty (Allen) Anderson and Steven (Pat) Coats; and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Arch and Gerald.
The Coats Family wishes to extend especial thanks to the Fillmore Hospice staff and to all who offered their love and comfort during the past months of illness.
Viewing: Thursday, March 15, 6-8 pm and Friday, March 16, 10-11:30 am both at the Holden LDS Ward. Funeral Services: March 16, 2012, Noon, Holden Ward. Interment in the Holden Town Cemetery.
We send our love and condolences to all your wonderfull family. In 1965 I, John Smith, had the priviledge of serving as ward clerk with Lavar as Bishop. Also, I have served with Allen often . We also send our love to Richard and Carolyn. Thanks to all your family for great service in our ward, Stake and community. Sincerely, John and Gwen Smith.
Dear Family of La Varr Coats: 3/15/2012
May we speak for all our Smith Family: Joseph and Beth, Hyrum and Marilyn and John and Gwen in expressing our love and sympathy to all your family. It was in 1965 that I, John, served had the privilege of
being ward clerk with Bishop LaVarr. We have always been close to your
dear family. You have always been faithful in serving in church callings and been a strength to us all. May the Lord’s choicest blessings be upon you and your posterity always.
Sincerely, John W. Smith