Wilbur Winston Coates

Wilbur Winston Coates was born October 11, 1924 to Reverend E. A. and Eva Marie Coates at a rural parsonage near Ames, KS. He progressed from one-room elementary schools to graduating Topeka High School in a class of over 1,200 students. While a senior, he felt called by God to prepare for the ministry. He attended Miltonvale Wesleyan College (MWC). He had seen a picture in the MWC yearbook of Dorothy “Dot” Schmer, and it got his attention. Then, while on tour with his MWC traveling quartet, he just happened to meet Dot!

They married on August 20, 1945, and moved to Marion, IN, where they welcomed their first son, John Ernest. Wilbur received his Bachelor of Religion from Marion College, and soon they accepted a call to pastor the Ancell Wesleyan Church in what is now Scott City, Missouri. They served that community for nine years and welcomed three more children: Marilyn Elaine, Wilbur Wesley, and Paul Edward. Wilbur worked simultaneously as full-time pastor, carpenter, and two room schoolhouse teacher and principal. For Dorothy’s health, the family moved to Largo, FL, in 1956.

Together, they ministered to various Florida communities for the next 58 years. They were at Pinellas Park Wesleyan Church for 17 years, through three building projects. They birthed Hope Wesleyan Church in Naples and were there for 14 years. In 1988, they brought Diplomat Wesleyan Church to life in Cape Coral. Finally, they pastored a daughter church at Serendipity Mobile Home Park for 19 years.

In December 1971, Wilbur and Dorothy lost 19-year-old son Wesley in an accident in Siloam Springs, AR. Amazingly, they weathered the storm, held fast by their faith in the Lord with the support of an abundant Christian community. Wilbur and Dorothy felt their hope in Christ, their dependence on each other, and their commitment to the Wesleyan Church kept them strong through it all: “God has been good! His grace has been sufficient for every situation.”

Wilbur lost his dear wife and ministry partner Dorothy in February 2022. He celebrated his 100th birthday in 2024 with a hymn-sing tribute by family and church friends. Wilbur slipped away peacefully at his home on February 28, 2025. He is survived by son John & Marty Coates (Nashville, TN), daughter Marilyn & Gordon Acton (North Fort Myers, FL) with whom he lived his final nine years, and son Paul & Janet Coates (Winston Salem, NC). He had 10 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandson.

His memorial service will be on March 22, 2025 at 11 am at Diplomat Wesleyan Church, 1833 Diplomat Parkway E, Cape Coral, FL. In lieu of flowers, you may contribute to the Diplomat Wesleyan Church Building Fund.

Wilbur was beloved by all who knew him for his humble, gentle, loving strength. He was faithful to the call of spreading the Good News of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Well done, good and faithful servant!