James "Ron" Ronald Coots

James “Ron” Ronald Coots, 80, passed away peacefully on Monday, June 30, 2025, surrounded by family, at the Apostolic Christian Home in Sabetha, Kansas.

Ron was born on July 18, 1944, in Lexington, Kentucky, to Anderson Levi and Polly (Fouts) Coots. Ron’s family hailed from the coal mining region nestled in the Cumberland Mountains of Kentucky. The story goes that he was the only child of his parents to be born in a hospital. From this upbringing, he learned the value of perseverance and hard work from a young age. After graduating from high school, he served four years in the United States Air Force. During the Vietnam War, he was stationed in Thailand, where he worked as an aircraft mechanic on the F-105 Thunderchief. He took great pride in his service to his country, but Ron was also a great man of faith. During his free time in Thailand, he could be found serving the Lord alongside the missionaries living there.

After completing his military service, Ron attended Dallas Baptist University (DBU) in Dallas, Texas, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. It was at DBU that he met and married Judy (Barth) Coots on June 4, 1971. He then went on to earn his master's degree from Sul Ross State University in Alpine, Texas

Ron and Judy settled in Duncanville, Texas, where Ron spent his 30-year teaching career at Duncanville High School. During these years, they expanded their family with the birth of their son, James "Chris" Christopher, in 1974, and their daughter, Catherine "Cathy" Marie, in 1977. Ron dedicated his life to his family, his church, and his career. He helped run the scoreboard for football games at Panther Stadium, was the original sponsor of Whiz Quiz, and played a key role in establishing the first Model United Nations and Mock Congress for his social studies department. In addition to his teaching responsibilities, he faithfully served the Lord through his local church, serving as a deacon, a Sunday School teacher, and in other roles within the church. Ron could often be found at the dining room table in the early morning, “pouring over the Bible” in preparation for his lessons.

During his summer breaks, Ron ran his own paint business called “The Four C Paint Company." A natural handyman, Ron Coots left his mark on buildings scattered across Texas and beyond with his craftsmanship. If there was something that needed fixing or building, Ron could do it. In the summer of 1986, he and his family moved to Cedar Hill, Texas. While living in Cedar Hill, Ron and Judy were known for hosting numerous parties, activities, and holiday celebrations at their home.

Ron took special joy in his family. Whenever possible, he attended every event, activity, or game that his family was involved with, and always with a big smile on his face. He was proud of his family and delighted in his role as husband, father, and grandfather. He lived his faith every day, and he will be remembered for his character, energy, and humor. Even in his final days, he made an effort to bring laughter to others. He was known for his famous “one-liners” to encourage people, like "This could well be the best day of your life.”

In retirement, Ron didn’t truly retire. In 1997, he began teaching as an adjunct professor at Dallas Baptist University in Dallas, Texas, and Navarro College in Corsicana, Texas. He remained active in church and community activities. Later in life, he moved to Midlothian, Texas, and then to Kansas to be closer to his daughter. He lived in Norton, Kansas, before spending the last three years of his life in Sabetha. He stayed active and involved for as long as his health permitted.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents; his three brothers, Kermit, Harold, and Franklin Coots; his three siblings who died in infancy and childhood; his three sisters, Evelyn Woods, Delores Lunsford, and Wanda Johnson; and his beloved in-laws.

Ron’s legacy will continue in the lives of his children and grandchildren. “Well done, good and faithful servant,” Matthew 25:21.

Ron is survived by his wife, Judy of Sabetha; his two children, Chris (Yvonne) Coots of Midlothian, Texas, and Cathy (Larry) Danforth of Sabetha; his three grandchildren, Jenna (Ethan) Moore of Lubbock, Texas, and Wesley and Lilly Danforth of Sabetha; his three siblings, Lowell Coots of Georgetown, Kentucky, Faye McGuire of Richmond, Kentucky, and Jerry Coots of Terrell, Texas; his many nephews and nieces; and other family members and friends.

A memorial service will be held at a later date in Texas. The family is receiving assistance from Popkess Mortuary in Sabetha with the arrangements.