Willis Coatney Obituary (1933 - 2024)

Willis Edward Coatney, 90 of Normal, went home to be with the Lord, March 21, 2024 at Bro-Menn Hospice. He was born in Gillespie, Illinois on December 24, 1933, son of James and Elizabeth Coatney. He was preceded in death by one brother and his wife of sixty-three years, Thelma. Will graduated from Staunton High School and Southern Illinois University in 1955. He was a lifetime member of the SIU Alumni Association. Willis also served two years in the Army in Augusta, GA. He married Thelma Millikin on December 18, 1955. They are survived by their three daughters, Nancy (Rick) Hoffarth of Harrisburg, NC, Sherry (David Niemi) Coatney of Madison, WI and Ann (Robert Pinkerton) Coatney of Boulder, CO; three grandchildren, Katie (David) Tasillo, Will (Erin) Hoffarth and Sheri Hoffarth, and four great-grandchildren Cooper and Kennedy Tasillo and Elias and Briggs Hoffarth. Willis was an active member of Wesley United Methodist Church in Bloomington, and had formerly served on the Board of Trustees. He particularly enjoyed meeting with the “Fun Bunch” at the church on Thursday mornings. Willis retired from GrowMark, Inc. in 1996. He volunteered for many years with Habitat for Humanity and Faith in Action. He was an avid golfer and enjoyed league play with friends for many years. He and Thelma also golfed together and their travel usually involved checking out new courses. Willis enjoyed gardening, working out at the ARC, walking, playing bridge and visiting his children, grandchildren and his brother and sisters. He will be missed for his love for the Lord, his willing spirit and fellowship with friends at church and Blair House, and time spent with his family. A memorial service to honor his life will be Friday April 19, 2024 at 11 AM at Wesley United Methodist Church. Reverend Sara Isbell will officiate. There will be a visitation from 10-11 at the church. Calvert & Metzler Memorial Home in Bloomington is handling arrangements. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Faith in Action or Wesley United Methodist Church. Please view the obituary and share your condolences and memories online at www.calvertmemorial.com “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day- and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for this appearing.” 2 Timothy 4: 7-8