Serving Barnwell County and its neighbors since 1852
BARNWELL - Rev. Edward P. Coto Jr., a beloved minister, devoted family man, and cherished friend, peacefully left this world for his eternal home in glory on September 16, 2026, at his home in Barnwell, S.C., surrounded by the love of family and friends. Born on October 22, 1944, in Galveston, TX, Rev. Coto was a man whose life was a testament to his unwavering faith and dedication to serving others.
In 1966, he married the love of his life, Madeline Prather, and together they built a life centered around Christ, raising a family grounded in love and faith. Their 58-year union was blessed with two sons: Eddie (Dana) Coto, Paul (Amy) Coto. Also, Michael (Penny) Coto, and Timothy (Tiffany) Thomas – who held the place of sons in his heart. He was a proud grandfather to Kevin (Sarabeth) Coto, Heather (Chris) Still, Emily Coto, Nickolas Coto, Gabe Coto, and Nicki Warren, and a cherished great-grandfather to Garrison, Jeremiah, Emberlyn, and Avery Coto, Kalyn, Bryce, and Kyle Still, Jannette, Josie, and Julia Warren, Tyler, and Briana Coto.
Rev. Coto's journey of faith began while attending First UPC of Opelousas, LA, leading him to an impactful ministry as an ordained minister of the Gospel. Licensed by the United Pentecostal Church International, he devoted over 50 years to preaching, teaching, and living by the Word of God. In 1986, he answered a divine call to move from Louisiana to Barnwell, S.C., where he reopened a church that had been closed for three years. For 31 years, Rev. Coto served as Pastor of Life Tabernacle Church, eventually becoming its Bishop in 2017. It was the seeds that he planted during this tenure, that has made Life Tabernacle Church the revival church it is today.
Rev. Coto's career was diverse, having managed gas stations and working in the transportation and security industries. Yet, his true calling was as a minister, where he found his greatest joy and purpose. He was passionate about home mission churches.
Rev. Coto was a man of deep faith, warm compassion, always present and welcoming to all – both young and old. His leadership was marked by a genuine love for his family (especially those grands and great-grands) and congregation, and he was a guiding light to many.
A service to celebrate Rev. Coto's life will be held on September 26, 2026 at Life Tabernacle Church, 1189 Clinton Street, Barnwell, S.C. Visitation will begin at 3 p.m. with service following at 4 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Life Tabernacle Church in Barnwell, S.C., in honor of Rev. Coto's lifelong dedication to his ministry.
The family wishes to extend heartfelt thanks to Hospice/Pruitt Health and Rev. Coto's caregivers—Marie Wollenberg, RN, Tanner Wilson, RN, Linda Lee, Social Worker, Cynthia Adams, CNA, Shay Dorch, Caregiver, Debbie Harmon, Caregiver, and Wanda Buggs, Caregiver—for their compassionate care.
To those who answered his early morning (real early) calls to pick up his remote, cooked meals and cornbread (his favorite meal), provided haircuts & shaves, cleaned his fishtanks, provided extra medical care, bought supplies, came for afternoon coffee and late-night chats, and just shared in fellowship, your support is deeply appreciated.
Rev. Edward P. Coto's legacy of love, faith, and service will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing him. His life was a testament to the power of faith and the enduring impact of a life centered in Jesus and lived in service to others.
Every prayer you prayed, every life you touched, every word of encouragement you spoke, and every lesson you taught was a seed planted for eternity. You may not be here to see the final harvest, but heaven knows the impact of every seed you planted. The seeds you planted will keep growing, the lives you influenced will keep carrying your message, and the legacy of your faith will continue to bear fruit.
“I have planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase.” I Corinthians 3:6
Folk Funeral Home, Inc. Crematory, Williston, S.C. is assisting the family with arrangements. Visit the online registry at www.folkfuneralhome.com.
