Dr. Barbara Doland Coatney

Dr. Barbara Doland Coatney, 90, of Lake Charles, passed away suddenly on September 6, 2017 in Tomball, Texas after a brief illness.

Barbara was a native of Grand Chenier, Louisiana, where she received her primary and secondary education. In 1947, Barbara received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Agriculture from Southwestern Louisiana Institute. Following her graduation, she took her first position as County Extension Agent out of Cameron, Louisiana. During her tenure at this job, she met the love of her life, Gene, who was her faithful companion until his death in 2011.

Barbara furthered her education, receiving a second Bachelor of Science Degree from McNeese State University in 1962 from the Department of Animal Science, then a MS in education from Northwestern State University in 1970, followed by a Master of Education from the same university in 1972. She then attained her Doctor of Philosophy from Texas Women’s University in 1974. She retired after twenty-four and a half years as Head of the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences at McNeese State University and in 2003 was honored by the university with Professor Emeritus of Family and Consumer Sciences at McNeese State University.

Barbara was recognized and received many awards for her continuous commitment to education. She was often referred to Dr. C and remained in contact with many of her students, always eager and willing to share her knowledge and experiences.

Barbara was a member of many professional and social organizations including Delta Kappa Gamma, Phi Kappa Phi, Louisiana Retired Teachers Association, Calcasieu-Cameron Retired Teachers Association, and McNeese State University Alumni Association. She was also a charter member of the Louisiana Seafood Board.

Preceding Barbara in death are her parents, David Yandell Doland, Sr. and Estelle Miller Doland; brother, Pat Doland; sister, Marjorie Doland Richard; and her beloved husband of 62 years, Gene Coatney. She leaves to honor and cherish her memory, one daughter, Sandy Coatney Eldred and husband Frank, Spring, Texas; two sons, David Paul Coatney and wife, Cheryl, Spring, Texas and Richard Coatney and wife Nancy, Lafayette, Louisiana; seven grandchildren, Jason and wife Leslie; Chloe; Alyson; Lucas and wife, Kayla; Cameron; Austin; and Wyatt; two great grandchildren, Reagan Leigh Eldred and Emerson James Mallia-Coatney; two brothers, Bill Doland, Grand Chenier, Louisiana and Bobby Doland, Houston, Texas as well as numerous nieces, nephews and extended family of the heart.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be observed at 10:00 AM Saturday September 16, 2017 at Our Lady of Good Counsel with Father Alan Trouille serving as celebrant. Interment will follow services at 3:00 PM at McCall Cemetery in Grand Chenier.

A small, handwritten reflection by Barbara reads “The most important people in my life are my Children, your children and the school”. Barbara was an independent, hardworking and well-educated woman – an example that we might all be able to aspire to become.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to the McNeese State University Alumni Assocaition Tribute Program c/o McNeese Alumni Association, P.O. Box 90775, Lake Charles, LA 70609 or McNeesealumni.com or to the American Cancer Society Honors and Memorial Giving at giving@cancer.org.