Frederick Earl Coates

Fred retired from the United States Air Force in 1973 after 21 years of service, retiring with the rank of Senior Master Sergeant. He served in the Korean conflict as a crew chief on a B-26 bomber. Other military assignments included tours of duty in Turkey, Johnston Atoll, Texas, Michigan, California and Virginia. He was the recipient of many awards including the meritorious service medal.

After his military retirement Fred worked in retail sales and was employed by Old Point National Bank as a purchasing agent for 14 years until his retirement in late 1996.

Fred was an avid Hampton Crabber football fan and for many years, he never missed a game. He also enjoyed attending bluegrass music concerts and festivals and was a member of the Tidewater Bluegrass Music Association. Fred was a member of the Air Force Sergeants Association, the Newport News American Legion Post 25, The Loyal Order of Moose, Newport News Lodge 1119 and The Moose Legion 199.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Nola; two daughters, Kathryn Suddreth (Jay) and Deborah McPherson (Steve); grandchildren, Jeremy Young, Patrick "Craig" Murphrey (Katie), Melinda Frailing (Aaron); two great grandchildren, Sela and Benjamin Frailing; and sister, Vivian Hager of Florence, Oregon. He was also predeceased by his older sister, Norene Exposito of Edinburg, Pennsylvania.

Visitation is planned for 1:00 pm on January 9, 2017 at Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home in Hampton with services to follow at 2:00 pm. Inurnment will immediately follow at Parklawn Memorial Park.

The family wishes to express great appreciation to Gentiva Hospice for their sincere kindness and supportive end of life care.

Friends are encouraged to visit www.parklawn-woodfh.com to share memories and words of condolence with the family.

Arrangements are under the care of Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home, 2551 N. Armistead Ave., Hampton, Virginia 23666.