He was born in Salem, Oregon on December 7,1935. Vern graduated from Salem High School and received a Master's of Science in Education from Oregon College of Education.
He was married to JoAnn Casey on August, 31 1957.
Vern had a career in counseling and teaching at Salem-Keizer School District.
He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and had a passion for farming, family gatherings, and the Catholic Church.
He was survived by spouse, JoAnn Coates, Mark Coates (Diane), David Coates, Kindra Fegley, deceased (John) Krista Campbell (Ian), Nick Coates, Sara Zielkel (Steve), Emily Davis (Neil), Tyler Coates, Katelyn Coates, Daryl Coates, deceased; James Coates and Seven Great-grandchildren.
Funeral Arrangements will be at Queen of Peace at 11:00am on January 22, 2026.
