Oliver Dayton (O.D.) Coker Obituary (1926

Oliver (O.D.) Coker, Jr. of Dover, Arkansas, passed from this life on February 26, 2013 after an extended struggle with Lewy Body Dementia and associated illnesses. He was preceded in death by Maedell Black Coker, his dear wife of 38 years; his grandson, Billy Ray Taylor, Jr.; and more recently by his younger brother Kenneth David Coker of Russellville. O.D. is survived by Vera Louise (Harding) Coker, his much-loved wife of 17 years who nursed him steadfastly throughout his illness; his daughter, Jeanne Marie Taylor of Atkins; son, Oliver Dayton Coker III of Katy, Texas; sisters Donna Jane Combs of Missouri, Bessie Louella Black of Hot Springs, and Dollie Jean Price of Bismark; five grandchildren and six great grandchildren. O.D. was 86 years old, Born in Garland County Arkansas to Bessie and Oliver D. Coker Sr., he served in the US Army for much of his life. His unit (69th Infantry Division) fought the Battle of the Bulge in WWII and was the first unit to meet up with Russian forces in Germany. He also served in the Korean conflict, the occupation of Japan, in southern forces during the Cuban Missile crisis and helped form the 1st Cav (Airmobile) division. After retiring from the US Army, O.D. worked as an agent for National Life Insurance Company, AP & L Security, and Val-Mac industries as a personnel representative. O.D. was well known and much loved in the community. He enjoyed a good long life, regretting only that illness kept him from closer contact with all his friends and family. He will be sorely missed by all alike. O.D. has chosen cremation, with his ashes to be interred near his parent's graves in the Godwin Cemetery in Mt. Pine, Arkansas. A memorial service will be held at Humphrey Chapel in Russellville on Friday, March 1, 2013 at 2:00pm. All his family and friends are invited to attend this celebration of his life. Memorials may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675. PDF Printable Version