Clifford L Coatney's Obituary
A man who lived ninety full years with love, laughter, devotion, and a presence that will always be remembered.
Cliff was born on March 31, 1935, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, to Ira L. and Dorothy H. Coatney. He grew up in an era when hard work, family and integrity meant everything, and he carried those principles into every stage of his life. After graduating from Central High School in 1953, he served proudly in the Oklahoma Army National Guard, advancing to Sergeant First Class.
He was predeceased by his parents and brother Ira L. Coatney Jr. Cliff is survived by his wife of 66 years Betty Jo Coatney of Broken Arrow, Ok.; a brother Ronald J. Coatney of Big Springs, Tx.; Sons Ted and Aleta Coatney of Collierville, Tn.; Clifford A. and Tami Coatney of Lewisville, Tx.; Daughter Tina and Mark White of Chelsey, Ok.; seven Grandchildren and four Great Grandchildren.
But for all his strength and values, Cliff’s greatest joy came from his family. On September 4, 1959, he married the love of his life, Betty Jo Rike, in Tulsa. Their marriage was built on faith, humor, and a partnership that endured for more than six decades. Together, they raised a family that became the center of his world. A family he documented, supported, and celebrated every day.
Cliff had a talent for preserving history. He was captivated by stories of the past and believed that understanding history helped us comprehend the present. He built an extensive collection of war documentaries, safeguarding the narratives of generations gone by. Alongside that, he had a deep appreciation for classic Western Films, often watching and rewatching them (often with his third or fourth Pepsi of the day along with a big bowl of ice cream). He enjoyed the tales of courage, justice, and adventure. These films reflected the principles he admired and lived by.
He also enjoyed collecting ship puzzles, carefully selecting intricate naval vessels, submarines, and historic fleets (though he never assembled them). The delight was in the collection, the fascination with the models, and the narratives they suggested. It reflected his curiosity, admiration for history, and enjoyment of exploring challenges without necessarily finishing them.
Photography and videography were another way Cliff captured life and family. He was always behind the camera, making sure everyone was in the frame, and he had his own special ways of getting a smile or a laugh. Sometimes he would pinch the back of your arm, tug on your earlobe, or grab the little rat tail of hair at the back of your head to get your attention. But his love for photos went beyond snapping moments; he created personalized photo albums for different members of the family, carefully curating and chronicling their milestones, achievements, and daily life over the years. Each album was a labor of love, a visual story of a life and its connections, and a gift that allowed every family member to see their journey preserved in detail.
While he meticulously tracked stats and box scores at his son’s games, when it came to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, numbers were unnecessary. He simply wanted to be present, camera rolling, documenting every game, every match, and every graduation. He saw history unfolding in real time, and he made certain those moments were preserved.
The summers held special memories, especially the tradition of Big Splash. Cliff would gather all of us grandkids into the car, armed with a year’s worth of saved soda bottles for park discounts, and spend the day swimming, laughing, and teaching lessons about joy, resourcefulness, and togetherness. Those outings weren’t mere trips; they were stories his grandchildren recount today, memories that will endure for generations (and all those sunburns we endured, only temporary).
Cliff also had a playful and teasing side, especially with family. I’ll never forget the day he met Nicole, my now wife. Almost immediately, he leaned over with his patented grin and said, “You need to marry this one as soon as possible. How did an ugly mug like you land a girl like that?” I laughed, thinking he was joking, but then he gave me that look he gives, and I realized he wasn’t kidding. And when I jokingly called her a “broad,” he didn’t hesitate to give me a thorough scolding right there. Insisting that the most important women in our life deserved to be treated with the utmost respect and adoration above all.
Cliff also loved tinkering with electronics, though sometimes it seemed like the real challenge was how many remotes it took to operate one TV - a fun struggle that now seems to have become a Coatney family tradition. He approached gadgets with curiosity and patience, showing us that problem-solving and experimentation could be entertaining and rewarding.
When we reflect on Cliff, we remember a man who loved deeply and intentionally. He didn’t merely exist, he documented life, preserved memories, and ensured no one was overlooked. His love was steadfast, his humor contagious, and his devotion unwavering. He believed that memories were as valuable as history, and he dedicated himself to safeguarding both for future generations.
We celebrate not only his ninety years, but the legacy he leaves behind. A legacy chronicled in photo albums, box scores, ship puzzle collections, war documentaries, summer traditions, laughter, and love. He demonstrated that the greatest gifts we can give our family are not possessions, but memories, and that understanding the past enriches how we live our lives today.
Cliff taught us to pay attention, to cherish our roots, and to treasure every moment, both the posed smiles and the candid truths. He taught us that family history is not merely the past; it is the living story we continue to write together. He showed us that curiosity, patience, integrity, and a love of learning are treasures worth passing on. He taught us that life must be approached with honesty, courage, and purpose.
We will miss him profoundly, but we will carry his lessons forward. Every time we gather for a photograph, every time we recount a story from the past, every time we examine a puzzle, watch a Western, or view a documentary, we will be honoring him.
And so today, we say goodbye to Clifford L. Coatney - a Husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, soldier, historian, photographer, puzzle collector, jokester, and matchmaker. His life was a masterpiece of love, bravery, curiosity, and devotion. Though he may be gone from our sight, his story…… OUR STORY…… Will continue because of the care he took to preserve it.
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