Longtime ACU education professor passes away at age 74

Dr. Edward E. Coates, professor emeritus of education at Abilene Christian University, died Saturday, Sept. 27, in Abilene after a lengthy illness.

"Ed touched many students' lives in a positive way through the years," said Dr. Colleen Durrington, former dean of ACU's College of Arts and Sciences. "When I think about Ed, I think of his faith, patience and positive thinking in difficult times. He always had faith the Lord would take care of him, and in the last several years, he showed such determination to help others, even when had struggles."

Coates earned bachelor's degrees in biology, Bible and speech from David Lipscomb University in 1956, a master's degree in education administration and elementary education from Middle Tennessee State University in 1962, and a doctorate in education from the University of Tennessee in 1970. While working on his Ph.D., Coates was awarded one of six U.S. Office of Education fellowships to fund his entire training in educational research.

He began his career at ACU in 1972, bringing with him a variety of teaching experiences at many different levels. He served as high school principal and head coach at Balmoreah High School in southwest Texas, and as a professor at Moorehead State University in Kentucky. Coates also served as pulpit minister with congregations in Tennessee, Kentucky and Texas. While at the West End Church of Christ in Knoxville, Tenn., he and his wife, Jane, helped start Knoxville Christian Schools.
Coates was very involved in the Abilene community, serving two years as pulpit minister at Westgate Church of Christ, and serving for a number of years as education minister, counseling minister and elder at Highland Church of Christ.

During Coates' time at Abilene Christian, he taught hundreds of undergraduate and graduate students, and was widely loved and respected by them. One former student, Kristi Thaxton, described Coates as compassionate.

"Dr. Coates was a compassionate, Christian teacher who cared about his students, shaping them into exceptional educators," she said. "He recognized their potential to learn and accomplish great things."

After 36 years of teaching at ACU, Coates recently retired on Aug. 31, 2008. He served on a number of committees, including the Faculty Senate.

Coates also helped hundreds of couples and individuals while serving as a counselor in private practice for more than 30 years. He received certification as a Family Life Educator from the National Council of Family Relations.

Coates was preceded in death by one son, Nathan, and survived by his wife, Dr. Jane Coates, professor emerita of education at ACU, their children Nancy, Nick, Nelson and Neal, and many grandchildren.

Memorial services will be held on Sunday, Oct. 5 at 2 p.m. at the University Church of Christ in Abilene.

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