Michael Taylor Coker

Michael Taylor Coker, Sr., was born on July 1, 1942 in Dalhart Texas to William Taylor and Edna Beatrice Coker. He passed away on Thursday, May 20, 2021 at the age of 78. He has one sibling, Charles Richard Coker. Mike was married to his high school sweetheart, Frankie Joanne Peel, on May 26, 1962 in their home town of Dove Creek, Colorado at the First Southern Baptist Church.
They were about to celebrate their 59th wedding anniversary on May 26, 2021. Both would say that their love grew stronger every year.
Mike received a scholarship to play football and run track at Fort Lewis College. Mike was gifted at everything he attempted in life, which included a long list of occupations. His resume included Auto-Mechanic, Service Department Manager, Foreman, Trim Carpenter, Farmer and Rancher. He worked in the automotive, deep sea diving, construction, oil and agricultural industries. His main love was always farming, and when the crops failed, he would always say: “I’m not raising crops, I’m raising children!”
Mike loved sports and all outdoor activities. You could find him in the crowd of almost every football, baseball, basketball, and volleyball game, wrestling match, and track meet that any of his children, grandchildren, or great grandchildren participated in. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, hiking, and camping and teaching his family and friends how to do so as well.
Even as adults, Mike was a hero to his wife and children. He was a loving husband, incredible father, and a devoted servant of Jesus Christ. Mike served on the leadership team of every church he attended, mentored and lead many godly men in their walk with the Lord and shared the gospel with countless others. The Kingdom of God will experience ripples of Mike’s ministry for generations after his death. He loved both of his families dearly – his biological family and his church family. However, most of all, Mike loved his Savior Jesus Christ. He was a great example of what it meant to be a Christian – being God’s hands and feet, salt and light, and an ambassador of the Gospel.
Mike is survived by his wife, Joanne Coker; and his four children, Carrie Colleen Barlow (Jim Barlow), Michael Taylor Coker, Jr. (Sylvia Coker), Frank David Allen Coker (Sheila Coker) and John Patrick Coker (Amy Coker). In addition to this he had 18 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren.
Services will be held on Saturday, May 29, 2021 at 11:00 am at the First Southern Baptist Church in Dove Creek, CO.

"Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his faithful servants."
Psalms 116:15 NIV