Lawrence George Coates

Lawrence George “Larry” Coates, 95 passed peacefully from this life on February 18, 2026, surrounded by his beloved family, including his devoted wife of 69 years.

Larry was born October 1, 1930, in Nampa, Idaho, to Annie Elizabeth and George Alvin Coates. He was raised in Richfield, Idaho, the oldest of four children. On the same day received his mission call and draft notice, he chose to enlist so he could first serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Western States and Wisconsin. He later served as a paratrooper and instructor at Fort Benning during the Korean War.

He married the love of his life, Colleen Shirts, in the Idaho Falls Temple on December 27, 1956, and together they built a life centered on faith, education, and family. Lawrence earned his PhD in American History from Ball State University. He fulfilled his dream of teaching at university, obtaining a job at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff. Later, continuing his dream of teaching at Ricks College/BYU-Idaho for 46 years, retiring at the age of 86. A devoted historian, Lawrence, spent more than 30 years researching and writing about the Mountain Meadows Massacre, publishing several respected articles on the subject.

Lawrence and Colleen raised six children and opened their home to foster children over the years. Above all, he was a man of deep and abiding faith. He lived his beliefs through service to his family, neighbors, and community. He was generous with his hugs and quick with a tease and engaging contagious laugh. He loved jogging, walking, fly fishing, camping, lively political discussions, and spending time at the family cabin in Island Park.

He is survived by his loving wife, Colleen Shirts Coates; his six children: Sherry (Donald) Hart, Elaine (David) Berger, Blair (Michelle Bell) Coates, Dan (Atina McPherson) Coates, Lyssa (Andrew) Linger, and Lynn (David) Sanford, 20 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; his sister Doris Johnson. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Darrell Coates, and his sister Lareeda Coates Schenk.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, February 28, 2026, at 12:00 noon at the Salem 1st Ward Chapel, 3462 North Salem Road, Rexburg, Idaho, with a viewing prior at 11:00 a.m. Internment will be at the Rexburg Cemetery.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the Visiting Angels who have been lovingly devoted to both Lawrence and Colleen over the last few years. A special thank you to the staff at the Homestead and Hospice for their kindness, support, and care during Lawrence’s final days.