Bobby L. Coker

COL. BOBBY L. COKER, former director of operations for the Arkansas Army National Guard, died Friday, Jan. 23, 2015 at the age of 85. Col. Coker died in North Little Rock, Ark. Coker was born April 2, 1929 in Harrison, Ark. to Leonard and Pauline Coker. He graduated from Harrison High School in 1948. Early in 1947, he enlisted in the Arkansas Army National Guard which started a military career that lasted nearly 40 years. He joined the Arkansas National Guard Feb. 3, 1947 serve on active duty during the Korean War as both an Artilleryman and a an Infantry Squad Leader. He was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in 1953 and served continually until his retirement, with the rank of Colonel, April 30 1984. Col. Coker's total service was 38 ½ years. Col. Coker served as the director of plans, operations and training for the Arkansas Army National Guard, also served as commander of 212th Signal Battalion. Col. Coker's military education included Basic and Advanced Field Artillery Courses, The Nuclear Weapons Employment Officers course, the United Stated Command and General Staff College and numerous specialty courses. He received numerous service awards that include, Joint Service Commendation medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with four devices, Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal, Korean Medal, United States Service Medal and Korean Service Medal with four stars. After retiring from the military he served on the staff of Park hill Baptist Church in North Little Rock for about 10 years. He was a 32nd degree mason. Col. Coker is survived by his wife of 26 years, Betty E. Coker of North Little Rock; three sons, Christopher L. Coker and wife, Julie of Sherwood, Ark., Scott Chance and wife, Debbie of Bolder, Colo., Michael Chance and wife, Tina of Springfield, Ohio and four granddaughters. The family will receive friends from 9-10 a.m. Monday, Jan. 26, 2015 and the memorial service will follow at 10 a.m. at Park Hill Baptist Church, 203 East "C" Street, North Little Rock, Ark., with Dr. Ken Shaddox and Dr. Cary Heard officiating. Entombment will be at a later date at Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery in North Little Rock, Ark., with military honors. Arrangements made by Roller-Owens Funeral Home (501-791-7400). The family suggests memorial contributions be made to Arkansas Baptist Children's Homes www.abchomes.org. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com.