Wayne Alden Coats, age 76, of Battle Creek, passed away peacefully at home with his family by his side on Tuesday, August 12, 2008.


Wayne was born April 10, 1932 in Partello in Lee Township to Milo and Edna (Reed) Coats. Wayne attended rural schools. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1952 and served in the Korean War. He was honorably discharged in 1955 and then served in the USMC Reserves until 1960. Wayne was determined that his family receive a good education, which they did. Acting as a very positive role model, Wayne returned to Olivet High School's Adult Education Program and earned his high school diploma in 1976,


Wayne was married to Elizabeth Marilyn Albrecht on May 7, 1955 at her parent's home in Marshall Township. The couple made their home in Battle Creek and raised their family together. They celebrated 53 years of marriage this year.


For 25 years Wayne was employed at Marshall Brass Company as a Tool and Dye Journeyman. He retired from there in 1995.


He loved to hunt. Wayne raised and loved many hunting dogs over the years. Most recently he was the adored master of his adopted cat, "Blackie". He was musically talented and enjoyed playing his harmonica and accordion. Wayne was loved by all of his family and friends for his smile and sense of humor. He was always the "life of the party"!


Surviving are his wife, Elizabeth Marilyn Coats; 3 daughters Karen Shinevar of Oradell,NJ, Cindy (James) Lawrence and Katrina (Mark) Riggs of Battle Creek; 4 grandchildren, 3 step-grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren and 4 step-great-grandchildren; 2 sisters Eleanor Strohm of Lewiston and Georgia Wilcox of Jackscon; and nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Charles Coats, sister Nell Lewis, and son-in-law Peter Shinevar.


Friends may call at Craig K. Kempf Funeral Home on Thursday, Aug. 14, 2PM to 9PM with family present 2PM-4PM and 6PM-8PM to greet friends and share memories.


Funeral services celebrating his life will be held on Friday, Aug. 15, at 1:30PM at Craig K. Kempf Funeral Home with Wayne's childhood friend Rev. Winford Collins of Faith Assembly of God officiating. Interment will follow at Floral Lawn Memorial Gardens in Battle Creek with military honors by the U.S. Marine Corps.

Friends who wish may make memorial contributions to Faith Assembly of God or Calhoun Area Humane Society. Assistance with memorials available at Kempf Funeral Home