Edmund "Banjo" Coots

   Edmund R. Coots, 85, died unexpectedly on May 1, 1999 at Highland Hospital in Rochester. Born May 7, 1913 in Middletown, NY the son of Ervin and Mabel (Ross) Coots.

   He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Margaret Coots of the Livingston County Nursing Home in Mt. Morris, daughter Barbara Kemnitz of Caledonia, Three sisters: Edith Clark of Florida, Eleanor Chase of North Carolina and Iilene Carson of Texas, One brother: David Coots of LeRoy; Three grandchildren: Michael (Kathy) Kemnitz, Timothy (Cheryl) Kemnitz, and Lori (David) Anastasi, Six great-grandchildren: Nicole and April Kemnitz, Nathan and Ben Anastasia and James and Jonathan Kemnitz. Many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his son: Edmund D. Coots in 1967.

   Mr. Coots retired as a millwright from Lapp Insulator in LeRoy. He was a founding member of the Caledonia Volunteer Ambulance, and an active member of the Caledonia Fire Department for over 60 years. In 1994, he was honored with the Caledonia-Mumford Lions Club, Citizen of the Year Award.

   Though his accomplishments were numerous, many will remember "Banjo" for his love of high school football. He was a proud member of the 1929 Caledonia High School team, which went undefeated and unscored upon. It was a rare occasion when you did not see "Banjo" on the sidelines at the Raider games throughout the years. He was one of the first players inducted into the Cal-Mum Football Hall of Fame, instrumental in organizing the Football Booster Club and was a member of the "Chain Gang" for over 50 years. When the Red Raiders take the field this fall, there will be one key fan sadly missing.

   Friends are invited to a Memorial Service and a "Celebration of Banjo" gathering on Friday, May 7, from 6-9 PM at the J.W. Jones Hall.

   Contributions may be made to the Caledonia Volunteer Ambulance, PO Box 1, Caledonia, in his memory. Arrangements by the Alhart Funeral Home.