Lawrence Alphonso Coates, Sr.

Born on Friday, January 23, 1931 (recorded date January 25, 1931), in Madison, Virginia, Lawrence attended Crummell Elementary School in Ivy City, Washington, D.C., Browne, Shaw and Garnet Patterson Jr. High Schools, Phelps Vocational, and Armstrong Veterans High Schools.

Lawrence Alphonso Coates, Sr., affectionately known as "Hooks" and "Butch," passed away on Sunday, December 29, 2024, at the age of 93. “Hooks” came from his father’s twin brother, Uncle Fred; and “Butch” from his uncle's wife, Aunt Isabel. Uncle Fred called him “Hooks” because Lawrence was bowlegged; and his aunt called him “Butch” because she said he butchered up his words when he was a baby.

Lawrence was the third eldest child of the late Richard and Alice Coates. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, married on February 9, 1950, Lois Bowie; second wife, married on December 18, 1959, Ida Mae Stokes; third wife and co-worker from GPO, Francis Robinson, married in August of 1975; beloved daughters, Yvonne (Cookie) & Lenora Coates; and several siblings, Alice (Patoka) Johnson, Richard L.V. Coates Jr., Loretta Coates, Pauline (Polly) Coates, Clifton (Cliff) Coates.

Lawrence’s journey through life was marked by devotion to family, faith, and service. He began working for the D.C. Government Department of Sanitation alongside his father and brother from 1949 until 1952, until a mouse went up his pants leg. He then took a position at the Government Printing Office (GPO), where he first worked as a printing plant worker, before his retirement as a bookbinder on November 05, 1980. Lawrence was also a proud veteran of the United States military. In May of 1953, Lawrence became a member of the D.C. National Guard. He also proudly served his country in the United States Army in 1954, where he completed basic training at Camp Gordon in Georgia, he was active duty in Alaska, and served during the Korean Conflict as a cook in the Officer’s club.

Lawrence’s life was also full of rich and varied experiences: From driving a Capital Cab #187 for nearly 30 years from 1956-1984, to working for Metro Bus Service, Keller Bus Company, and Giant Food Store, Lawrence was always dedicated to his work. Lawrence once even made the headline of the Evening Star newspaper on September 7, 1973, after he plunged 60 feet down into a construction hole. After the passing of his late wife, Francis, Lawrence returned to work at Metro Bus Service until September 11, 2001, when he drove a bus to the Pentagon and quit after the attacks on America.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Lawrence was a man of deep faith and commitment. He was baptized at Bethesda Baptist Church in Ivy City, D.C. in February of 1950, where he was a member and sang in the Relief and Men's choir for over 40 years. He later became a member of Ebenezer Baptist Church in 2002, where he joined the Robert "Pop" Middleton Men's Chorus after attending a men’s retreat with his brother, Richard (they were inseparable for 78 years).

His love for his family and his deep connection to his church, community, and friends was at the heart of everything he did. Lawrence loved to hear wonderful preaching and the sound teachings of God’s Word. He also enjoyed old church hymns, and listening to singers like the Williams Brothers and the Soul Stirrers. He was always ready to offer a helping hand, and his spirit of kindness and generosity touched everyone he met. Lawrence also loved sports, especially baseball and football. His favorite teams were the Washington Nationals, and the Commander (Redskins). In addition to his hobbies, Lawrence became a member of Prince Hall PHA Warren Lodge #8 in 1966, and a Shriner in 1975.

One of the most defining chapters of Lawrence's life came in 2004, when he met his loving wife, Cornelia “Connie,” at his brother Richard’s 75th birthday party. After years of perseverance through multiple marriages, careers, and challenges, Lawrence was finally made whole. He and Connie married on January 6, 2005, at Ebenezer Baptist Church, where they shared countless memories together while attending several church events including the Sweetheart Banquet, Senior Day, annual church picnics, gospel concerts, and prayer breakfast. They enjoyed matching the colors of their outfits, blessing all of their meals, praying before bed and sealing the night with a cherished kiss. Every morning, they greeted each other with another beloved kiss and a sweet morning prayer. Lawrence had enjoyed cooking meals for her.

In his later years, Lawrence and Connie relocated to Warner Robins, Georgia, in October of 2009, to be closer to his sister after she was diagnosed with breast cancer. On January 31, 2010, under the leadership of Pastor Daniel W. Jackson, they joined the Greater Springfield Missionary Baptist Church and continued to be active in the church community until his health began to decline. Lawrence's legacy of faith, love, and service will be remembered by all who knew him.

He is survived by his darling wife, Cornelia (Connie) Coates; and his children, Lawrence Jr. (Butch), Gary, Mark, Lamont Clifton Sr.(Ariel) and Larentia. He also leaves behind his sisters and brother, Barbara Jennings, Harriet Warren (Lewin), Maxine McKinzie, Dolores Garnes, Edward (Eddie) Coates (Michele), Theresa (Tunna) Marshall, Tarnya Smith, and Tyrhonda Dorsey; grandchildren, Sherrie Gilmore (Chad), Micheal, Delvin, Vernon, Mattthew, Dominque, Clifton Jr., Mark Jr., Julian, Lamont Jr. (LJ), Amanda & Tifton; great-grandchildren, Zaire, Damonite, Kira, Komoni, Vernon Jr. Chiara, Vincent, Khlizr, Khaled & Nalini; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, bonus community kinship adopted children and many dear friends.

A visitation for Lawrence’s family and friends will be held on Monday, January 6, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. at McCullough Funeral Home. A funeral service will immediately follow at 2:00 p.m. in the chapel of McCullough Funeral Home. For friends unable to attend at this time, the service will be streamed live at https://www.youtube.com/@McCulloughFuneralHome via the McCullough Funeral Home’s YouTube page. On Tuesday, January 7, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., Lawrence Alphonso Coates, Sr. will be laid to rest in Georgia Veterans Memorial Cemetery.

Go to www.mcculloughfh.com to sign the Online Registry for the family. McCullough Funeral Home and Crematory has the privilege of being entrusted with these arrangements.