John Thomas Coates, 78, of Houston, Texas, passed away peacefully in his home on August 20, 2026. He was a devoted husband, a loving father, and a steady presence whose generosity and skill left a lasting impact on those around him.

John was born in McKeesport, Pennsylvania, to Jack and Naida Coates. He enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1967 and was stationed in Thailand, where he met his wife, Taveelarp. They married in 1968 and raised three children together. John served proudly for 24 years, earned an engineering degree, and was commissioned as an officer. After retiring from the Air Force as a captain, he moved to Houston to join the aerospace industry, where he played a key role in the development of the International Space Station.

In his free time, John volunteered with the Boy Scouts, became an NRA-certified instructor in rifle, pistol, shotgun, and personal defense, and supported the Pearland Shooting Club (PSC) by reloading ammunition and welding steel targets for its juniors program.

John was preceded in death by his father, Jack; his mother, Naida; and his brother, Paul.

John is survived by his wife, Taveelarp Coates; his three children, Paul Coates, Tina Fontenot, and Thomas Coates; his five grandchildren, Erin Pool, Ashley Pool, Olivia Coates, Emily Coates, and Avalyn Coates; his three great-grandchildren, Riley McCloud, Benicio Arredondo, and Rosalie Arredondo; and his sisters, Trisha Broom and Joan Spar.

Those who loved John will remember him not for the illness that marked the final years of his life, but for the man he was throughout all the years before it—the memories he created, the life he lived, and the love he gave his family.

Although saying goodbye is incredibly difficult, his family finds comfort in knowing that his struggles are over and that he is finally at peace. The love he gave, the lessons he left behind, and the memories made throughout his 78 years will continue to live on through the generations of the family he loved so dearly.

Rest peacefully, John. Your service is complete, your work here is done, and you will be loved and remembered always.

Family and friends are invited to honor John's memory at Peevey Funeral Home 12440 Beamer Rd, Houston, TX 77089, Wednesday, August 26, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. The funeral service will begin at 11:00 a.m. in the funeral home chapel. Service with military honors will take place the same day at 1:15 p.m. at the Houston National Cemetery, 10410 Veterans Memorial Drive, Houston, TX 77038.