Arlon Coate

Mr. Arlon "Blackie" Coate, age 90, of Ocean Springs, MS., died Sunday, May 14, 2006, in Ocean Springs. Mr. Coate was a resident of Ocean Springs for 32 years. He was a member of the McCloud Masonic Lodge, and the Joppa Shrine. He was an MIA/POW in WWII, member of the D.A.V. and a five time challenger of Trent Lott for the congressional seat. He was an avid fisherman and golfer. He was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Dorothy Coate, a daughter, Wilma Wolfson, his parents, Walter and Mina Coate, and a brother, Lloyd Coate. Survivors include one daughter, Patricia Vance of Taylor, MI., four sons, James Coate, Jr. of Foley, AL., Richard Coate of Flat Rock, MI., Martin Coate and Daniel Coate, both of Ocean Springs, nineteen grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Visitation will be on Friday, May 19, 2006, from 6-8 PM, at the Ocean Springs Chapel of Bradford O'Keefe Funeral Home. On Saturday, May 20, 2006, there will be an 11 AM church service at the Crossroads Nazarene Church in Ocean Springs. Burial will be in Biloxi National Cemetery.