1932
2013
Earl Raymond Coker, 81, of Davenport, passed away Monday, October 21, 2013 at the Davenport Lutheran Home. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, October 24, 2013 at 10:00 am at The Runge Mortuary. Visitation will be held on Wednesday from 5-7 pm at the mortuary. Burial will be in Davenport Memorial Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to his family, to be donated to his favorite charities. Online condolences may be left at www.rungemortuary.com
Earl was born January 10, 1932 in Oxford Mills, IA; the son of Beulah (Inghram) and Earle R. Coker, Sr. From age two to thirteen, he lived with his grandparents, Louis J. and Edith Mae Inghram in West Liberty, IA. He then moved to Davenport, Iowa to live with his mother and graduated early from Davenport High School in January 1949. After graduation, he joined the U.S. Navy where he was a radio operator aboard the destroyer U.S.S. Allen M. Sumner DD692 stationed in Norfolk, VA. During his tenure in the Navy, he traveled to the Caribbean Sea and Mediterranean Sea. After an honorable discharge, he returned to Davenport. Earl enjoyed roller skating at The Prom Roller Skating Rink, where he met his future wife, Gladys Mae Benson. He spent his lucky 50-cent-piece on their first date, the same night they met. Earl and Gladys were married on October 1, 1955 at the RLDS Church in Davenport. Earl worked for National Cash Register Company as a repairman, Bendix Aviation and Kartridg Pak as a design draftsman, America Air Filter – Defense Products Division as a design engineer, R&R Welding Supply as a welding engineer, and Sun Electric as a Regional Sales Manager. In 1973, he became an entrepreneur in the service station business with his wife and son, eventually creating Kwik Tune Kwik Lube Automotive Consultants. He retired in 1991. He also was an avid cat lover. He enjoyed building and racing Three-Quarter (TQ) Midgets from 1960 to 1994. He was treasurer and president of the Blackhawk TQ Midget Racing Association and Chairman of the WTQMRA Racing Association. Those left to honor his memory include his wife, Gladys; children: Donald A. Coker, Davenport; Catherine A. (Coker) Creighton, Urbandale, IA and Patricia A. (Coker) Hogan, Davenport; grandchildren: Tiffany (Josh) Hunt; Michael Coker, Paul Creighton, all of Davenport and Joshua Newsum, Denver, CO; great grandchildren: Clayton and Parker Coker and Miley Creighton, all of Davenport; He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, grandson, Shawn Michael Coker; granddaughter, Katie Michelle Hogan, sister, Audrey Jean (Coker-Moeller) Studer; and beloved cats: Spook, Blackie, Snowball and Tabbee; may they rest in peace.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
December 25, 2013
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December 25, 2013
Patty
I'm remembering Dad on this first Christmas without him. He will always be in our hearts.
Our family thanks all of you who honored him at the visitation, funeral, this guess book, through a letter, card, phone call, memorial, etc. Memorials were made to CASI and two local no-kill animal shelters.
November 7, 2013
Bruce
I only knew him briefly but Earl certainly made an impact on myself and the wider Clarion community. We will miss him.
November 7, 2013
I met Earl only twice - at Clarion conferences. But I will miss him as if he were a neighbor. Thanks, Earl, for all your contributions and help to the community.
Rocky Phelps
October 23, 2013
Cathy, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Toni Lewis
October 23, 2013
Gladys I am so glad that I got to know you and Earl through Cardiac Rehab. Sending you my sympathy, friendship, and many hugs. Judy Chapman
October 23, 2013
Dave Poppe
Cathy and family... though you will miss him greatly, remember that this isn't the end; it's just a 'see you later'; take comfort in your faith and the company of each other.
October 22, 2013
Herb Crompton
So sorry for your loss. We can only be there in spirit but our prayers will be there for real. Herb, Judy, Jean and James
October 22, 2013
The Rangel Family
Cathy, we are all saddened to learn of your father's passing. Our heartfelt condolences to you, your mom, brother, Patty, and all your family members. Thank you for sharing with us your photos. It's evident to see over the years your dad was a hard-working and honorable man--blessed with a wonderful and supportive family. May your fond memories comfort you and your family at this time of sorrow.
October 22, 2013
Ed and Anna May (Inghram) Dufek
You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Anna has fond memories of growing up with Ray. His humor and wit will be missed. Unfortunately, we are unable to travel at this time. Our sincerest condolences,
October 22, 2013
Joe Havenhill
Cathy- we are sorry for your family's loss. It is never an easy period, but do know that your father is in God's hands and is smiling down upon all of us. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Joe, Amy, and Asher Havenhill
October 22, 2013
Robert(Bo) Schmitz
You will always live in our hearts and prayers.
October 22, 2013
Patty Hogan
October 22, 2013
Patty Hogan
October 22, 2013
Patty Hogan
October 22, 2013
Patty Hogan
October 22, 2013
Patty Hogan
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