Coalter Still Fondly Remembered

Nine years ago Thursday, on March 11, 2012, Ted Coalter lost a battle with cancer at age 58.

A 1971 Ste. Genevieve High School graduate, who edited the school newspaper, the Mike, he then served in the military in Vietnam.

Coalter stayed in Cape Girardeau after getting a BS in business administration at Southeast Missouri State University in 1976.

He became a business leader in the community,  starting successful insurance and printing businesses, and was a leading force in the redevelopment of downtown Cape Girardeau.

He was one of six founding members of Old Town Cape, Inc.

“His commitment to the community was evident by his drive to see the downtown area thrive,” a Sept. 7, 2019 tribute by Old Town Cape said of Coalter.

It added that his influence was as strong as ever in Cape Girardeau.

“His heart for taking care of those in need and making something better will continue for generations,” it added.

His parents, retired educators Bob and Peggy Webb, reflected on his accomplishments.

“The people in Ste. Genevieve that knew Ted and went to school and grew up with him understand his ability to lead and be a role model to children, adults, foreign students and give advise to other businesses,” they said.

Coalter was a member of St. Vincent DePaul Parish in Cape Girardeau.

“Ste. Genevieve and its quiet, honest Christian way of living has produced some quality people from both of our high schools that have become  legacies,” the Webbs said. “Our family is so proud that our son was one of them.”

He was survived by wife Debbie Coalter, who continues to run many of Ted’s businesses, along with their children.