Clifford Dewayne Coats

A celebration of life for Clifford Dewayne “Cliff” Coats will be 2:00p.m., Wednesday, August 27, 2025, at Claremore Nazarene Church. Friends may visit at the funeral home on Tuesday, August 26, from 2pm-7pm, with family receiving visitors from 5pm-7pm. Cliff passed away on Wednesday, August 20, 2025. He was 63.

Cliff was born on June 12, 1962, in Torrance, California, to Huston and Darlene (Adkins) Coats. Although he was born in Cali, he was a Rocklahoman through and through. He attended school at Inola, graduating from Inola High School with the class of 1980, where he carved his niche as a skilled athlete, excelling as a halfback in football and competing in track. He is remembered by many classmates as a funny happy go lucky guy who made the school a better place. His athletic talent earned him a scholarship to play football at Northeastern State University, reflecting not only his athletic prowess but also his dedication and hard work.

 Following his schooling, Cliff embarked on a diverse career path, showcasing his strong work ethic in various roles. He was a diligent worker, serving as a welder and dedicating many years to Yale Cleaners, Jarbo, Tamco Roof Products, and most recently, Pixley Lumber. Known for being among the first to arrive and never calling in sick, his commitment to his work was unwavering.

Cliff had a personality that could light up any room; his contagious smile and hearty laugh would welcome everyone into his circle. No one had a laugh like Cliff. Described as a gentle giant, he offered mentorship to many youths, demonstrating a deep commitment to making a positive difference. He served as a youth pastor at Maranatha River Church near Grand Lake, coached for his daughters softball teams, and opened a gym outreach through Christ the King Citichurch, providing young people with opportunities to thrive and a safe haven in the community.

 Beyond his professional and community contributions, Cliff was not only a devoted family man but also a passionate individual who embraced life’s joys. His love for motorcycles was matched only by his fervent support of OU football. Everyone knew how he felt about Texas. Music, particularly Van Halen, resonated deeply with him, does anyone remember Cliff’s David Lee Roth mid-air splits? Cliff eagerly anticipated attending Rocklahoma each year. Best week of the year if you asked Cliff. He was a strong man with a big heart, evident in his many acts of kindness, including biweekly donations to St. Jude's Children’s Hospital. Cliff's spirit and laughter will be profoundly missed by his family, friends, and all who were lucky enough to get to know him.

 Those family members that survive include his wife, Tammy Coats, his mother, Darlene McManis, his brother Michael Todd Hamilton, and his beloved daughters, Tara Midgley and her husband Taylor, as well as Chelsea Holmes and her husband Tyler, his stepchildren, Brody Whitlock and his wife Casey, Makayla Whitlock, and Lukas Whitlock. Cliff found immense joy in being a grandfather to Braylon Midgley, Colton Midgley, Ella Holmes, Jayce Holmes, Brantley Gee, Kody Whitlock, Brayleigh Gee, and Eleanor Whitlock, whom he cherished with all his heart. Cliff is preceded in death by his father, Huston Coats; his sister, Cindy Coats; and his stepfather, Dennis McManis.

 As we reflect on Cliff's life and his many contributions to those around him, we celebrate a remarkable individual who lived with freedom and passion, forever remembered through the love and joy he shared with his family and community.