Donald Theodore Coates Jr. (Ted) passed away December 2, 2024. He was born October 5, 1941 to Donald T. and Ruth Ellen Devinney Coates. Ted grew up in Kennewick, WA. Ted described his childhood as "idyllic" and had fond memories of growing up on Ione Street and remained friends with many of those childhood friends throughout his life. He attended Kennewick schools, but graduated from Columbia High School in Burbank, WA.

Ted graduated from Eastern Washington State College and taught at Richland, Kiona Benton and Finley School Districts. He taught 4th, 5th and 6th grade. Ted was a huge fan of Disneyland from his first visit to his last. Most vacations started or ended in Disneyland. He was a lifelong WSU Cougar fan and had season tickets for 19 years. Ted enjoyed working out and earned a 2nd degree black belt in Karate in the 70's.

Ted participated in city league basketball for many years and enjoyed jogging as well. Ted was the world's biggest movie fan and well known by the managers at most of the Tri-Cities theatres. Ted loved to travel and enjoyed trips to the beach with his family, cruises with his wife, trips to New York City, Europe and Hawaii.

Ted is predeceased by his brother William, who died in infancy, his older brother John (Jack) as well as his mother and father. Ted leaves behind his wife Phyllis, son Don (Jennifer) Coates, daughter Kaylie (D.J.) Traver. And his grandchildren Kendal, Brandon, Talan, Ethan and Adelyn. Also, his nieces and nephews- Debbie and Greg Fancher, Jacqui and Scott Johnson and David Coates.

Ted was a dedicated family man who loved his family very much. We miss you already.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Central United Protestant Church, 1124 Stevens Dr, Richland, WA, on Saturday, December 28th, at 11:00am followed by a reception.