Thomas E. Coates, age 78, of Hobart passed away Wednesday December 13, 2023, in his home with his family by his side. Thomas was born April 10, 1945, in Gary, Indiana to the late Milton and Alfreda (Kossow) Coates. He worked for 19 years as a respiratory therapist for St Mary Medical Center, he also worked for Buy Low Foods in Hobart and Burgers Market in Munster. He was a US Airforce Veteran.

Thomas is survived by his loving wife of fifty-eight years, Linda (Nickell) Coates; his daughter, Amanda (Ken) Richmond of Wanatah; three grandchildren, Joshua, Elizabeth, and Megyn; two brothers, Richard (Patti) Coates of Portage, and Darryl (Leann) Coates of Florida; two sisters, Karen (Doug) Hill of Tennessee, and Arlene (Andy) Koritko of Hobart; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his son, Brian Coates; his parents; five brothers, Dennis, Kenny, Norman, Larry, and Ronald.

Visitation for Thomas will be from 10 am to 12 pm Monday, December 18, 2023, at Rees Funeral Home 600 W. Old Ridge Road, Hobart, Indiana 46342. His Funeral Service will follow immediately at 12 pm at the Funeral Home. His burial will follow in Graceland Cemetery, Valparaiso.