Earnest Coker

Earnest Zelian Coker Sr. died April 3, 2015 in Lexington, Oklahoma at the age of 89 years 7 months 17 days. Funeral Services are scheduled for 11:00 AM, Wednesday, April 8, 2015 at Wadley’s Funeral Chapel. Interment will follow at Rosedale Cemetery under the care of Wadley’s Funeral Service.

Earnest was born August 17, 1925 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma to Lem C. and Monolia (Beck) Coker. He was raised in Oklahoma City, attending school in Capital Hill. Earnest was inducted into the United States Army, Coast Guard in February 1943. After proudly serving his country, he was honorably discharged a few years later. Earnest was an entrepreneur who founded Coker’s Corner in 1980, retiring in 1989. He loved spending time with his family, and enjoyed prospecting, dancing and fishing. Earnest was a member of the Masonic Lodge and India Mounted Patrol, and was a member of the Iron Workers Local in Oklahoma City.

Earnest is preceded in death by his parents, Lem and Monolia Coker; daughter, Saundra Coker Edwards; step son, James LeRoy Wagner; siblings, Marcelette Coker, Cherri Coker, Mary Coker Lazano, Vester J. Coker, Clarence Todd Coker, and Leonard Coker. Survivors include his spouse, Joyce L. Wentzel Simons; sons, Earnest Coker, Jr. and wife, Shirley, Rick Coker; daughters, Debra Coker Nolan, Brenda Coker, Michele Coker and wife, Alice; sisters, Lou Kerr, Betty Thomas; 13 grandchildren, 27 great grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren and many other relatives and friends.