A Memorial Service for Douglas James Coats, 88, of Sugar Land, TX, will be announced at a later date. Douglas passed away July 5, 2021, in Sugar Land, TX.

Douglas James Coats was once told by his father, Delore Frederick Coats, to find employment where he could use his hands. Douglas, being defiant, had nothing to do with his father's wishes and became an accomplished insurance executive for major companies across America. Douglas' mother, Christina Mary Hauck gave birth to Douglas May 27, 1933, in Rice Lake, Wisconsin.

Douglas graduated from St. John's High School in Milwaukee, then attended the University of Wisconsin, LaCrosse State Teacher College. Douglas was later challenged when his father's company went on strike the summer between his Freshman and Sophomore year. Having to help support the family, Douglas postponed his education. Douglas served his country for two years as a supply sargeant at Fort Leonard Wood Missouri, near the end of the Korean War. After returning from the United States Army, he enrolled for 1/2 year at the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, before embarking on his career objectives.

Douglas relocated to Florida with his family, working as a Cost Accountant for the contractor who built the Schlitz Brewery in Tampa, Florida, and was later transferred to Dickerson, Maryland. Douglas' career in the insurance industry started years earlier in Milwaukee and moved quickly across America to Silver Spring, Maryland, where he worked for the Hartford Insurance Company. One of Douglas' accomplishments with the Hartford Insurance Company came at the onset of computers where he helped to automate the insurance Personal, Auto, and Homeowners programs. Douglas advanced with the Hartford Company when they sent him to leadership school to become a Regional Branch Manager. In December 1967, he was transferred to Bridgeport, Connecticut. Douglas was once again transferred to Chicago, Illinois, May 1970 as Branch Manager for 15 of the midwestern states most profitable divisions of the Hartford Insurance Company. Again he was sent back to Hartford in 1974 to manage the Personal Line Division. In 1977, Douglas was elevated to Vice President.

Douglas accepted an opportunity in 1982 to work for Republic Hogg Robinson, headquartered in Los Angeles, California, until AIG's Company, the New Hampshire Insurance Group contacted him to be their Senior Vice President. On the move again, in 1987, Douglas relocated to Houston, Texas, where he worked as Executive Vice President of the Ranger Insurance Company. Douglas then took an offer with Accel International to become Chairman, President, and CEO.

When working at Home Insurance Company, Douglas fell in love with Beverly Mae Clark, a co-worker. Years after their courtship, Douglas and Beverly married March 31, 1959, in Temple Terrace, Florida. Beverly, the older sister to Sally and Shirley, was the daughter of William Clark and Maud Olsen and was born September 10, 1938, in Beloit, Wisconsin. Beverly worked a short time in Florida before her marriage to Douglas.

Beverly and Douglas had two daughters, Christine, born September 2, 1962, and Colleen, born May 31, 1968. With the love of God, Beverly became a long term survivor of Breast Cancer. Douglas and Beverly live in Sugar Land, TX, close to their two daughters.

Condolence messages may be written for the Coats family at www.garmanycarden.com

Arrangements are under the direction of Garmany & Carden Funeral Directors, 1201 Fourth Street, Rosenberg, TX 77471 (281)342-4671.