Diane Eileen Coats
Diane 
Eileen Coats, known affectionately to her granddaughters as “Mimi”, was born on 23 June 1947 in Oklahoma City to Dr. James W. Carson and Agnes Eileen Carson. She passed away suddenly but peacefully on 5 November 2020 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s and a bout with the Covid-19 virus. Her father was an Air Force dentist and the family moved frequently during her childhood years. Diane graduated from Palo Duro High School in Amarillo, Texas, then earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology from the University of California at Riverside. Her older brother, Dr. Robert E. Carson, is a retired dentist residing in Edmond, Oklahoma, with his wife Linda. Diane married Navy pilot Michael L. Coats at Tinker AFB on 18 October 1969. They had two children, Laura and Paul, and three adorable granddaughters, Abby, Anna, and Audrey. She became adept during her frequent moves at quickly making a new house seem like a warm and loving home for the family. After five moves in 10 years as a Navy spouse, Diane and the family settled in Houston in 1978 when Mike was selected for the Astronaut program.
Diane’s focus in life was always on her family and friends. Caring for her husband and children was her top priority and she excelled at it. She was especially proud of being a wife and mother, and becoming a grandmother was a highlight of her life. She enjoyed music, shopping, and cooking, and particularly loved to bake. Her favorite vacation destination was Las Vegas, where she defied the odds and all logic by consistently winning on the slot machines. She loved to crochet and became known for the beautiful and intricate “snowflakes” she made for neighborhood craft fairs every year. She was an avid runner and completed several half marathons. Her sense of humor and infectious laugh immediately put others at ease. Her genuine warmth brought joy and happiness to her family and friends. We miss her terribly and her boundless love will be with us always.
A visitation and Celebration of Life for Diane Coats will be held at Crowder Funeral Home, 111 E. Medical Center Blvd., Webster, TX 77598, on Monday, November 16, beginning at 5:00 p.m. followed by the Celebration of Life.
Per Harris County mask order we ask all attending the service to wear face coverings.
So sorry to hear of Diane’s passing. My thoughts are with Mike and Diane’s family.
Our sincerest condolences. May your wonderful memories fill you with peace and grace during this difficult time. You are blessed to have had such a wonderful wife, mother, and grandmother. Your entire family is in our prayers.
Mike,
Just want to offer to you, and your family.. my deepest condolences for your loss.
I just found out yesterday, through mutual friends, that Diane had recently passed away.
Take care, and stay safe,
doug
Mike,
Although I never met Diane, she was absolutely beautiful and know she will be so missed. Our hearts go out to you and all your family. We are so sorry for your loss.
Donna & David Hinson
Mike, my most sincere condolences to you, Laura, Paul and your entire family. Diane was a true gem. I always enjoyed talking and laughing with her. She leaves a huge hole in many hearts, yours most of all. Sending this with a big virtual hug.
I am saddened. Mike my sympathies to you and your family.
We are so very sorry to hear of your loss of Diane. She was a wonderful Lady. She made life better for whomever she met!! She will always live in your heart. God bless you all!
God bless Diane and her family in their loss.
Your family will be remembered in my prayers.
I have a very special memory of Diane…quite some time back I was at Autumn Leaves visiting Ron Epps and his wife Peggy, who was also in that facility…Diane was walking in the hallway, saw me and smiled really big…Mike would tell me later that she probably didn’t know who I was, but recognized me…I went to her and for about 15 minutes she and I locked arms and continued her walk…I didn’t stop talking to her as we greeted many others in the hallways…such a wonderful moment!
My sincere condolences on the loss of such a beautiful lady. Prayers for all who knew and loved her.
Mike and family, we are very sorry for your loss.
Pandora & Crip
We are sending our love and deepest sympathies to you and your beautiful family, Mike.
Mike,
I understand that you are lamenting your wife’s passing but know that she will always be with you. Your family memories will keep her present always. May God bless your family and be there through this sad time.
Diane was absolutely the LOVE of Mike’s life. I applaud BOTH of you for your dedication to each other, your support and love you so completely showed to the world!
And to Mike, greater devotion to a woman I have never seen. You are an officer, a gentleman, a friend and above all else, a loving, compassionate man. We are ALL blessed to have had both of you in our lives.
May God grant eternal peace to Diane, and tranquility to you Mike.
Mr. Coats:
My deepest sympathies go out to you and your family. Wishing you and your family strength and peace. Remember, time and prayer are the keys to healing pain – I offer you both. God Bless and stay safe!
Mike
Our deepest sympathies to you and your family on the passing of Diane. We are keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers.
John and Susie Beall
Mike,
Very sorry for you and your family Mike. You took great care of Diane, as she did of you.
To Mike and family:
Pete and I extend our deepest sympathy to you all. We were very saddened by the news about Diane’s passing. We remembered the beautiful time we had at the KSC launch/reunion what seems now so long ago. After the launch, Mike, you walked into the area where we had all watched the launch, Pete and I said “great launch,” you thanked us, then said, “where is Diane, I have to see Diane…” We were touched by how in the midst of all of the excitement and among so many people, you searched, first of all, for Diane. And, as we watched you walk away, she was looking for you, too. That’s how I will remember Diane, the lovely lady waiting for you, too–such a happy time! You are all in our prayers.
Mike, Laura and Paul,
Our sincerest sympathies at the loss of one of the kindest souls we’ve ever known. Diane always had a smile for everyone and her love for you was obvious to all. We are saddened at her loss and wish you all peace.
Steve & Eileen Hawley
Mike, I was so sorry to hear about Diane’s passing. I still remember the night I first met her. She was wonderful lady. Barbara and I send our thoughts and our prayers to you and your family.
Mike & Family –
Thinking of you and wishing you peace and comfort as you remember Diane. 💖
To Mr. Coats, Laura, and Paul,
I will always remember Mrs. Coats because of her kind and warm spirit. You have been, and will continue to be, in my thoughts and prayers.
May the sweet memories of your beautiful life together continue to bring a smile to your face. We pray for God‘s blessing of peace and comfort to you and your family. We send our heartfelt condolences. Randy & Gloria Parker
To Mike and family,
So many emotions at this time.. we send our deepest sympathy, thoughts and prayers for a peace and good memories to surface above any others in time.
Mario & Sue Runco
Mike and family, Chris and I send our deepest sympathy. Diane was a great lady blessed by a loving and devoted family.
To Mike and the rest of the family, we are very sorry for your loss.
Dear Mike,
You have demonstrated love by your quiet dedication, commitment, and action in your marriage to Diane and others in your orbit for your entire life. We look to you with admiration and inspiration, and pray for you and your family as you travel this rugged path.
Blessings
-Mike & Melanie Fossum
Mike, I was so sorry to hear about Diane‘s passing. She was a wonderful lady. I remember well the first time I met her many many years ago. Barbara and I send our thoughts and prayers to you and your family. LEE
Dearest Mike and Family,
You have my deepest sympathy and my admiration for all your loving care and support. God Bless you!
Dear Mike and Family:
We offer our deepest sympathies on the loss of your beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, Diane. Cared for so lovingly by you, she is now your advocate in heaven, with you always. May God bless you and wrap you in a lifetime of loving memories of Diane.
Tom and Liz Jones
Mike and family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family through these difficult times.
Warmest regards,
Glenda Lancon
Mike,
I knew Diane many years ago in our younger days in Brooks Bazaar. I only found out today that she had passed. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Sue Reno
Dear Mike and Family
I just learned about your loss. My heart hurts for all of you. God bless you and I wish you the very best and I will be praying for you. God Bless you
Nancy
Dear Mike,
I’m so sorry about the passing of Diane and please accept our heartfelt condolences. May her memory bring comfort and solace to your family.
P.S. I just found out about Diane’s passing today while chatting with my son Ronny, who recalled your autographed “Dare to Dream” photo you had given him when he was about 7 years old in Morgan Hill. So he googled you and saw Diane’s obituary.
Ronny now flies F/A-18 Super Hornets for the US Navy.
This is a great post. I am really bad at remembering to pin articles I liked or were helpful but I do have a board started.