Obituary of Clomer L. Coker

Sedan - Clomer L. "Buck" Coker, 98, of Sedan, passed away Wednesday, July 25, 2007 at Pleasant Valley Manor in Sedan. He was born March 27, 1909 in Nowata, Oklahoma, the oldest boy in a family of ten raised by Arthur and Addie Coker. His grandfather was town marshal of Nowata, Indian Territory and a great-grandfather served on the Cherokee Tribal Council while also ministering to his flock as a circuit preacher. Mr. Coker attended schools in Delaware, Oklahoma, where the family had settled. It was in Delaware that he met Jessy Mae Simpler, a school teacher. Mr. Coker was employed with the Sinclair Oil Company and was transferred to Sedan in May 1935. He and Jessy Mae were married in Stroud, Oklahoma in 1936 and settled in Sedan. Jessy Mae left her teaching career to become a homemaker and mother to their daughter, Lasandrea. In 1947, Clomer began working with John M. Denman Oil Company. After 40 years in Sedan, Jessy Mae passed away on September 22, 1976. Clomer continued to work as a driller for John M. Denman Oil Company until his retirement in 1979. For the last 28 years he kept busy with his wood and metal working hobbies as well as caring for a big yard and all the birds which have found the Coker home a sanctuary for many years. He became a familiar figure in Sedan as he walked to town nearly every day until his 98th year. Mr. Coker was very active in his church and served as a Sanctuary Sponsor for nearly 30 years. He also traveled several times a year to church functions throughout the country. Mr. Coker is survived by his daughter Lasandrea (Jack) Bell of Black Hawk, Colorado, three brothers; Doug (Eula) Coker of Nowata, Oklahoma, Mack Coker of Monkey Island, Oklahoma, and Don (Wanda) Coker of Belen, New Mexico, two sisters; Frances Stookey of Nowata, Oklahoma and Susie Chappell of Claremore, Oklahoma and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. A Memorial Service for Mr. Coker will be held at the Benjamin Funeral Home in Nowata, Oklahoma on Wednesday, August 15, 2007 at 10:30 a.m. Memorial donations may be made to a charity of individual choice. David W. Barnes Funeral Home of Sedan is in charge of arrangements.