Patrick Kevin Coats

Patrick Kevin Coats

1952 – 2025

Patrick Kevin Coats, 72, of White Deer, Texas, passed away on March 22, 2025, probably with a sarcastic comment on his lips because if he was going out, it was going to be on his terms.

No services are planned at this time. Cremation and arrangements are under the direction of Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Directors and Crematory.

Born in Natchitoches, Louisiana (pronounced Nack-a-tish – yes, it’s confusing, and yes, he would correct you), in 1952. Patrick was the son of William (Bill) and Janet Coats. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Geography from Southwestern Oklahoma State University in 1974, which he primarily used to locate the best hunting spots, tree-planting areas, and prime nap locations. He later made Texas his home, and let’s just say the Lone Star State never quite knew what hit it.

Patrick started his career at Celanese in 1977, as an operator before transitioning into a gatekeeper – a job that perfectly suited his personality of a man who loved people, ran a tight ship and had a comeback ready for everyone. On September 3, 1981, he married his love, Janette, and their adventures began. He worked for Celanese for 31 years before retiring in 2009.

A man with many passions, Patrick never stopped learning and doing. He was a dedicated cook, constantly searching for the next great recipe (ideally featuring copious amounts of butter), an enthusiastic painter, hunter, bee-keeper-in-the-making, and amateur botanist. He took immense pride in his Bur Oak and Chinese Pastiche trees and treated his Pope Rosebush like it was the crown jewel. His love of birds led him to the Top of Texas Pigeon Club, where he amassed more knowledge about pigeons than any reasonable person should. Additionally, he was an avid reader, and his above average intelligence was because of this.

Patrick’s creativity knew no bounds – he handcrafted beautiful rosaries, jewelry, and crochet blankets for his loved ones. He had a knack for making people laugh, whether through a ridiculous made-up song or a perfectly timed joke. His home was filled with the sound of his infectious laughter – especially in the early mornings when he woke his kids up by blaring Beautiful by James Blunt, followed by an aggressive duck call. He was a collector of all things quirky and cool, including Jack Daniels bottles (don’t touch em’!) and National Geographic magazines since the 5th grade (don’t throw em’ away!). His mind never slowed down, and neither did his hands.

To know Patrick was to be loved by him. If he teased you relentlessly, congratulations you were on the inside. Beneath his sharp wit and legendary sarcasm was a heart as big as Texas. He was one of a kind – someone who made the world brighter, funnier, and infinitely more interesting just by being in it.

Patrick is survived by his wife, Janette Coats; son, Bryan Coats and wife Laura of Amarillo; daughters, Jennifer Benson and husband James of Panhandle, and Kimberly Marshall and husband Josh of Pampa. He leaves behind his mother, Janet Coats of Pampa; and three siblings; brother, Brad Coats of Hoyt, KS; sisters, Trisha Coats, Kathy Schoenrock and husband Jerrel, both of Pampa. His grandkids, Natalie and Trevor Benson, and Emery and Cohen Marshall were his (Baba) pride, joy, and favorite audience for bad jokes and good stories.

He was greeted in Heaven by his father, William (Bill) Coats, and you can bet their reunion involved a joke, a hug, and at least one enthusiastic discussion about guns.

He loved his family fiercely and we will honor his one wish to not have a funeral but instead to celebrate him with immediate family. In fact, he warned us not to cry too hard or he’d come back and honk the duck call at 3 a.m. Instead, we ask you to honor him like he’d want, plant something that makes no sense but brings you joy, blare a ridiculous song just because, teach someone how to two-step in your socks, or make a new recipe even if it sounds weird.

Patrick was larger than life, louder than most, and left the world brighter and better than he found it.

We love you. You were a legend.