Norwalk, Ohio – Joseph W. Coates, 61, of Norwalk, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, September 9, 2019.  He was under the expert care of Stein Hospice and was surrounded by his loving family.

Joe was born on February 16, 1958 in Elyria to the late Richard Francis and Catherine Genevieve (Montell) Coates.  He served his country in the United States Army and had worked for the state of Ohio as a toll collector.

Joe loved his family, his animals, working in the yard, tinkering with his Model T and helping others, whenever, or however they needed.  He cherished his granddaughters and was a member of the Firelands Timeless Ts Model T Club.

Survivors include his wife of nearly 41 years, Donna (Davitz) Coates; daughter, Laura (Chris) Adams of Sandusky; granddaughters, Genevieve, Gabriella and Catherine; brother David (Hui-Sun) Coates of Lawton, Oklahoma; 2 nieces, a great niece and nephew and his beloved dog "Tinky" and love bird, "Nicky".

In addition to his parents, Joe was preceded in death by his siblings, Patricia and Richard Jr.

Friends may call on Saturday, September 14, 2019 from 11 am until 1 pm at Walker-Eastman-Heydinger Funeral Home, 98 W. Main St. Norwalk, Ohio.  A funeral mass will be held the same day beginning at 1:30 pm at St. Paul Catholic Church, 91 E. Main St. Norwalk, Ohio, with Msgr. Kenneth Morman officiating.  Interment will follow in St. Paul Catholic Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Huron County Humane Society, 246 Woodlawn Ave, Norwalk, OH 44857 or Stein Hospice, 1200 Sycamore Line, Sandusky, OH 44870.  Online condolences may be expressed by visiting www.walkereastmanheydingerfh.com.