Charles C. Coatney Jr.

Charles Cleveland Coatney Jr. died at the age of 89 on December 17, 2020. He is survived by his wife of 67 years Beverly, his son Charles Cleveland III, his daughter Julia Ann, and his older sister Teresa Lorene Mortiz.

Chuck attended Peru State College where he met Beverly and fell in love and married on March 8, 1952. His education was interrupted by the Korean War when he enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1951 for four years as an aerial photographer. Chuck and Beverly returned to Peru, Nebraska to farm the Coatney Farm which has been in the family since 1867. Together they raised several crops and livestock to keep the farm active.

As an active member of the local community, Chuck belonged to the American Legion Club, Eagles Club, Nemaha County Saddle Club, and the Auburn Country Club. He was an active Mason in Peru for several years, a devout Methodist and played bass guitar in a country western band for several years.

4-H was an important part of chuck’s life especially the horse program. He was active on several 4-H committees, becoming a local horse judge for several local shows and was the coach of the Nemaha County Horse Judging Team which went on to compete on national levels in 1988 and again in 1993 receiving reserve championship recognition. His passion for horses had him raising several colts which he trained and showed in local horse shows receiving several championship awards.

The family has requested not to have a viewing or funeral but instead will have a private ceremony spreading Chuck’s ashes on the family farm. In lieu of sending any flowers or cards the family has asked you to donate to the Charles Coatney Memorial Fund which is set up at the Auburn State Bank in Auburn, Nebraska. The money collected will be donated in Chuck’s name to the local 4-H program which he loved very much.