Donald Larry Coker

It is with great sadness that the family of Donald Larry Coker announces his passing peacefully in his home after his courageous battle of COPD on March 1, 2022 at the age of 88 years old.

Donald was born September 7, 1933 at Good Samaritan Hospital in West Palm Beach, FL to Larrimore H. and Nadine “Mudder” Coker, survived by his sister Jacqueline Coker Binnall Epling and preceded in death his sister, Linda Nadine Coker Johnson and his brother, Robert Coker.

Don is survived by his first wife Jeanette Fredette Coker Weber and his second wife Susan Gahagen Coker and was preceded in death by his adoring and beloved companion Karen Wildrick. He is a loving father of five children, in which is survived by his sons Larry Coker and David Coker (Alice) and his daughter Dena Coker Dubay (John). He was preceded in death by his son Robert D. Coker and recently his daughter, Linda Sue Coker. He is also survived by his beloved, her children; Pam (Jeff) and Brenda (Brent) and their children in which they became family. He is also a proud grandfather and great-grandfather of many grandchildren and great-grandchildren and a great-great-grandfather. He is further survived by many nieces and nephews.

Don’s childhood was spent mostly outdoors in which he would like to brag about his “twixt the eyes” that would immobilized some unlucky crawfish. Like his father before him, Don has always been an outdoorsman and was a fisherman and spearfisherman extraordinaire as mentioned in the book “Growing Up in the Palm Beaches” by his life-long childhood friend, Bill Matthews. In 1949 at the age of 16, Don was recognized and awarded the Jimmy Fiddler “Americans in the News” award chosen by Frank Sinatra for his courageous act of heroism for saving 3 children from drowning from a strong current off the beach near his home while practicing deep-sea diving. Donald had several childhood friends that are lifelong friends like Jim Patterson and Paul Gauldon to name a few.

Don went to Palm Beach High School, aka Twin Lakes High School & Dreyfoos School of the Arts, after school he joined the Navy at age 17 which he proudly served our country as a Radarman on the USS Rooks DD-804 which he was told he had a good time. Even paid 16¢ to have his picture taken with a cobra that he later found out was not defanged during a stop in Colombo, Ceylon, that picture was proudly hung in his condo to share the story! After serving a tour of duty and receiving an Honorable Discharge earning the National Defense Service Ribbon; Korean Service Ribbon; 2 engagement stars and United Nations Service Ribbon, he returned to the Palm Beaches where he lived out his remaining life.

While Don started employment at an early age, 1st job delivering the Palm Beach Post newspaper during high school, his main gig was at the Plumbers & Pipefitters Local Union 630 in 1973 and retired in 1995, he was a member for 48 years before his death. He made several lifelong friends like Jack Stevens. He was also a Recording Secretary for the union for 3 years. After a few years into retirement, Don took a volunteer gig at the Lake Worth Municipal Golf Course as a Ranger. As in any job he had, he took pride being a Golf Course Ranger “determined against all logic to keep amateur players on a professional pace” as mentioned in a Palm Beach Post article about Donald in October 2015.

Don will always be best known as and fondly remembered for his stories, with his gift of recalling details of events that simply amazed everyone who hears his stories. In his later years, he has been inspiration and an example for many friends struggling on their journey. He has passed down to his children and grandchildren many life lessons and advice which we all will fondly remember. He enjoyed in his retirement fishing, golfing and traveling with companion Karen and time with family.

We've lost many loved ones before, but we've never lost a Don. People just didn't like Don, they loved him! He was funny, engaging, inclusive, and had a heart of gold. The outpouring of love that his family has received from those who knew Don has been overwhelming and greatly appreciated. He will be deeply and forever missed, but fondly remembered by everyone whom he touched throughout his very full life.

There will be a service for those who would like to say their last goodbye to Donald at the South Florida National Cemetery located at 6501 S. State Road 7, Lake Worth, FL 33449 on April 8, 2022 at 9:30am followed by a Celebration of Life at the Clubhouse at WATERWAY CLUB located at 300 Waterway Dr. S, Lantana, FL 33462

Memorial contributions in honor of Don may be made to COPD Foundation, after entering your information click “Give in honor or in memory of a loved one” to contribute the donation to Don: https://www.copdfoundation.org/Take-Action/Donate/Tribute-Giving.aspx

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