Skip to Main Content

Sympathy Notice: Rev. Russell F. Coats

Posted: September 12 2018 at 10:46 AM

Rev. Russell F. Coats, retired member of the Northern Illinois Conference, passed away September 11, 2018; he was 92 years old.   

Rev. Coats began his ministry in the Illinois Great Rivers Conference. He began serving in the Northern Illinois Conference in 1963 and was appointed to LaMoille Methodist/Perkins Grove, Shannon and Freeport: Faith before retiring in 1990. Although retired he continued to serve at East Jordan for an additional 16 years.  

 Services will be held Saturday, September 15, 2018, at East Jordan United Methodist Church located at 22027 Polo Road, Sterling, IL. Visitation will begin at 10:00 am followed by the funeral at 11:00 am and Internment at 12:00 pm at East Jordan Cemetery. Lunch will follow at the church.  
 
Condolences may be sent to Paul Coats, 4695 Hannah Drive, Rock Hill, SC 29732.   

News & Announcements

Reading The Bible

Conference-Wide Bible in a Year Reading

The Northern Illinois Conference Committee on Discipleship and Spiritual Formation is launching a conference-wide initiative for 2026 inviting individuals and congregations to read the e…

Immigration Story 2025 Umnews 1200x800px

From the Bishop: Keep Practicing Hope

"I believe hope is a practice of God’s creative freedom at play in human creativity and freedom," says Bishop Dan Schwerin. "God’s word is always breaking in for good. We as the church ma…

Erie Umc Pillow Case Collage

Erie UMC Sews Comfort for Foster Children

Erie UMC volunteers recently sewed 165 cheerful pillowcases for children in foster care, partnering with Raising Hope and My GEAR Outreach. The effort blended creativity, compassion, a…

Flowers Sympathy625x400 2a417 Copy

In Sympathy: Mr. Vi Tran

Mr. Vi Tran, spouse of Rev. Brian Gilbert of the Northern Illinois Conference, passed away on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at the age of 37.

Print