Headstone for Pastor Tim

Hello! Pastor Tim Coats started a little Free Will Baptist Church outside of Rapid City, South Dakota,  back in the 80's. He and his wife had five children together and he worked full-time in addition to pastoring to support his family.

Tim loved the outdoors, hunting, the beauty of nature, watching people, and making people laugh or smile with his terrible puns.

Tim went turkey hunting by himself in April of 2017, just two days before his 65th birthday.  He never came home.

Law enforcement located Tim near the roadway on a highway just west of Rapid City. He had apparently been crossing a fence and somehow his shotgun went off and he was struck in the chest.


Tim left behind his children and wonderful wife, Kathy. Although he is very near the hearts of his family and church members, we have been unable to fund a tombstone. A small metal and plastic name marker is the only thing marking his grave at Mountain View Cemetary.

Please consider making a donation of any amount to help purchase a headstone for this loving husband and pastor. We appreciate your expression of love and support!