Dow R. Coker

© Cheyenne Star

10 Apr 2003

Submitted by: Wanda Purcell

Dow R. Coker was born April 23, 1933 in Getty, Oklahoma to Lillabelle Harmon and Roy Coker.

He passed away April 6, 2003 in the Great Plains Regional Medical Center of Elk City, Oklahoma, at the age of 69 years, 11 months and 13 days.

As a child, Dow was saved, baptized and became a member of the Cheyenne First Baptist Church.

He moved west of Cheyenne with his family. He attended school at Reydon before going to Cheyenne School where he graduated in 1951.

He continued his education at Oklahoma A&M in Stillwater, Oklahoma.

Dow and his brother Deryl were licensed pilots, taught by their good friend, Lee Roark. They flew the plane to and from school, landing in the field north of their Grandad Harry Harmon's house.

He entered the U.S. Army and served his country during the Korean Conflict.

He married Maxelene Chambless in Waco, Texas on June 11, 1955.

After his discharge Dow owned and operated a restaurant in Woodviille, Texas. During this time they were blessed with two sons, Harry Dow and Roy Van whom Dow affectionately called "Husky".

He sold his restaurant, the "Tall Pine Inn" and moved his family to Strong City, Oklahoma in 1966. In 1973, the family moved back to the family farm, west of Cheyenne.

Dow had a passion for watching sports and had much joy watching his grandchildren. He was blessed to see the arrival of his first great grandchild. In recent years, he had lost much of his eyesight, but was fortunate of have his hearing, which he had until his death.

He was a very happy man and loved his family dearly. When his grandchildren were born and asked what they should call him, he simply said, "Dow". They always called him Dow, which brought a smile to his face.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, whom he had lived with during much of his childhood, they were Harry and Maggie Harmon; his parents and his one brother that he loved dearly, Deryl.

Services were held Tuesday, April 8, 2003 at 10:30 a.m. at Cheyenne First Baptist Church, officiated by Rev. Fred King and Aubrey Cowan. Burial was held at Cheyenne Cemetery, Cheyenne, Roger Mills County, Oklahoma under the direction of Rose Chapel Funeral Service.

Survivors include his devoted wife, Maxelene of the home; two sons, Harry Dow Coker and friend, Shelley Woolley of Cheyenne, Oklahoma; Roy Van "Husky" Coker and wife, Bab of Cheyenne, Oklahoma; three grandchildren, Dustin Kyle Coker of Cheyenne, Oklahoma; Roy Justin "R. J." Coker and wife, Alison of Cheyenne; and Tricia Coker of Cheyenne; one great grandchild, Maxkenzie Coker of Cheyenne, Oklahoma; his special caretaker, June Allen; several nieces, nephews and host of relatives and friends.