Obituaries: Coker

Posted on July 7, 2016

Raymond Coker

Raymond F. Coker, 78 of Bloomington, passed away on Wednesday, July 6, 2016 at 3:25am at Advocate BroMenn Regional Medical Center, Normal.

Raymond’s celebration of life will be held on Friday, July 8, 2016 at 3:30pm at the First United Methodist Church, Normal with Pastor’s Kathy King-Nobles and Kim Burke. Following the service there will be a meal and fellowship with the family at the church.

Memorials may be made to the Community Cancer Center or to First United Methodist Church.

Calvert & Metzler Memorial Home, Bloomington, Illinois is in charge of arrangements.

Raymond was born on February 28, 1938 in Patterson, Illinois the son of Mayfield Brock and Olive Naomi Ford Coker. He was married to Jean Painter Coker for 34 years when she passed away in 1994. He later married Mary Lou Roodhouse on July 22, 2000 in Springfield, Illinois.

He is survived by his wife Mary Lou of Bloomington, his children; Jennifer Ann (Stephen) Crowe of Iowa City, Iowa, Linda Renee Coker of Bluffton, South Carolina, Roger Duane Coker of Savoy, step children; Stephanie (Joe) Stone and Kathy Price both of Springfield, grandchildren; Clayton, Christina, Zac, Christopher and Katie along with his Sister-In-Laws; Carol Coker and Connie Coker.

He is preceded by his parents and 2 brothers; Lowell and Harold Coker.

Raymond was a 1956 graduate of Roodhouse Community High School. After high school he enlisted and served as a pilot in the US Navy. He worked at GTE retiring after 35+ years.

He was a member of the NSA (National Stearman Association) and in 2007 won the Kaydet Award for excellence in restoration of Army Stearmans. He was also a member of the First United Methodist Church in Normal.

Raymond had a passion for flying and continued to fly up until the last few years. He loved to travel and explore new things with his wife Mary Lou and enjoyed spending time with his family.

Raymond will be deeply missed by all his family and friends.

Online condolences may be made to www.calvertmemorial.com<http://www.calvertmemorial.com/

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