Kennard R. Coots

OZARK…Mr. Kennard R. Coots, a resident of Ozark, died early Friday afternoon, March 6, 2026, at his home. He was 84.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Thursday, March 12, 2026, in the Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home Chapel with Chaplain Charles Goldsmith officiating. Graveside services, with military honors, will follow in Woodlawn Memory Gardens. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements. The family will receive friends from 1:00 until 2:00 P.M. Thursday at the funeral home.

Mr. Coots, son of the late James William Coots and Agnes Pearl Denny Coots, was a proud native of Madison, West Virginia, where he grew up and attended school. Those early years shaped him into the hardworking, steady, and good‑hearted man his family came to love so deeply. After finishing school, he chose to serve his country by joining the United States Army, where he spent four years building discipline, character, and lifelong friendships.

In 1963, life led him to Indiana, and it was there he met and married the love of his life, Barbara Ann Lassiter Coots. Their marriage was a true partnership—full of devotion, laughter, and the kind of everyday moments that become treasured memories. He worked in the steel mills for thirty years, a job that demanded strength and grit, and he gave it everything he had. His coworkers respected him, not just for his work ethic, but for his easygoing nature and willingness to lend a hand.

He was proud to be a Mason, a Shriner, and a member of the Elks Lodge, finding purpose in fellowship and service. In 1994, he and his family made Alabama their home. Even after retiring from the steel mills, he wasn’t one to sit still. He worked at Lowe’s in Dothan and later at the Swedish Match Cigar Plant, always staying busy and always giving his best. He also earned his Airframe and Powerplant License from Enterprise Ozark Community College, an accomplishment he was truly proud of.

In his quiet moments, he enjoyed collecting coins, playing solitaire, and settling in to watch a good western. He was a loyal Auburn football fan and cheered on the Chicago Bears every season. But some of his happiest times were simple ones—“hanging out” with his dog, Kiba, tinkering with projects, and using his natural handiness to help his family with anything they needed. He loved being useful, being present, and being someone his loved ones could count on.

Above all, he will be remembered for the way he showed up for the people he loved. Whether through a small favor, a shared laugh, or just being there, he made sure his family knew they mattered. His steady presence, his humor, and his big heart will be deeply missed.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara Ann Lassiter Coots; brothers, William Coots, Clyde Coots, Bob Coots, Jack Coots, Jimmy Coots, Kenneth Coots, Charles Coots, and Gene Coots.

Surviving relatives include his daughter, Carolyn Planer, Ozark; sister, Judy Wise, Ozark; brother, Danny Coots, Corsicana, Texas; two grandchildren, Kenna Planer, and Jacob Planer (Dennis); nieces, nephews, and cousins.