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Sam Coker Obituary

Sam Coker

A memorial celebration of Sam Coker's life will be held at Trinity Episcopal Church in Natchitoches on Thursday, March 28 at 2 p.m. Visitation will be at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home on Wednesday, March 27 from 5-8 p.m.

Sam Coker died peacefully at home on March 7, 2013 at the age of 84 years old. He was born to Mary Louise and Harvey Guy Coker, Sr. in Knoxville, Tennessee on Nov. 27, 1928.

Sam was preceded in death by a daughter, Nancy, parents, one brother and one sister.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 63 years, Charlsie Coker, one daughter, Cindy Seghers and husband Philip, and two sons, Gordon Coker Jr. and wife Gabrielle, and David Coker and wife Brenda. He is also survived by a brother, Roy Coker, seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Sam received both his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees from the University of Tennessee and a Doctorate in physical education from the University of Iowa. His 43 year professional teaching career included: Karns High School teaching physical education and general science; Atlantic Christian College in Wilson, North Carolina teaching physical education courses, Intramural Director, and Track and Field/Cross Country Coach; and Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, where he served as Head of the Department of Physical Education for 13 years, Chair of the Division of Student Teaching, Chair of the Division of Undergraduate Physical Education, and Director of Continuing Education for six years until his retirement.

Sam was Professor Emeritus at Northwestern State University, life member of the American Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (AAHPERD) and served as president of both the LA AAHPERD and the Southern District AAHPERD, and on numerous committees. In 2010, he was inducted into the Barton College (formerly Atlantic Christian College) Athletic Hall of Fame. Sam was a member of Phi Epsilon Kappa and the LA Teachers Association.

Sam's community involvement and service were as significant as his professional accomplishments. He was an active member of Trinity Episcopal Church in Natchitoches, serving as a member of the vestry, on the diocesan standing committee, and assisting with the Eucharist. He was founder, life member and honorary board member of the El Camino Boys and Girls Club in Natchitoches. In 1998, he was recipient of national recognition by the Boys and Girls Club of America for 50 years of service to the organization. He taught a defensive driving course for senior citizens, and taught first aid and aquatics courses for the American Red Cross.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the El Camino Boys and Girls Club, P.O. Box 2063, Natchitoches, LA 71457 or Trinity Episcopal Church, 533 Second Ave, Natchitoches, LA

Published by The Town Talk from Mar. 22 to Mar. 26, 2013.
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Memories and Condolences
for Sam Coker

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I knew Sam and Charlsie from high school only and remember them both well, they were like my idols and I thought they were such a super couple! I haven't heard from Charlsie lately but would like to know how she is doing, Hope she is doing well, I know how much she must miss her Sam,

Maggie Spoon Moyer

Friend

March 15, 2021

Dr. Coker assisted me in so many ways while I was at NSU working on my undergrad degree. He and Shirley Jamieson ran the office. He was a great guy. I know a lot of us "non-traditonal" students would not have gotten through without his guidance. Rest in peace sir.

Edwina

April 6, 2014

Dr. Coker taught me to play racquetball whenI attended NSU. He was an excellent teacher/coach and player- so encouraging.That was in the late 70's and I still think of him and allhe taught me. I wish I could see myself thru his eyes because he always tried to explain that I was selling myself short. What a great human being. I felt so lucky to have him at NSU.

Debbie Fitch

April 4, 2013

TO THE FAMILY DURING THIS VERY SAD TIME, PLEASE LEAN ON THE "GOD OF ALL COMFORT" 2ND COR.1:3-4.

March 29, 2013

Charlsie and family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you..I will always remember Sam for his goodness to me and others and most of all his friendship. Sue

Sue Molstad

March 28, 2013

Charlsie - We are so sad to learn of Sam's passing. He was one of the best people we ever knew. He was one of the most loving and giving men. You and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers. - Love Dub & Wilma

Wilma Jones

March 26, 2013

Dear Charlsie and Family -
The world has lost a beautiful person! I have admired and appreciated Sam for 30-years professionally. He loved his family, his students, his colleagues, his profession and his God. I know your heart is full of a million memories that will sustain you in these difficult times. It's Holy Week and God brought home a winner. Love - Karen J. Dowd, Southern District AAHPERD

March 25, 2013

DEAR CHARLSIE: YOU ARE IN MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS. VERY SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS.

JAMES EARL GLASS

JAMES GLASS

March 22, 2013

Dr. Coker was an excellent teacher at NSU. He guided the HPE dept along with some excellent professors. He will be sadly missed.

richard ducote

March 22, 2013

I was in Sam's gym class at Karns 1954-1957. Great man, good person. Sorry for your loss. Wayne Moore

Wayne Moore

March 22, 2013

Dear Charlsie and Family,
I am so sorry to hear of
Sam's death. He must have been some kind of a wonderful husband. father and member of the Community. I always looked up to you and Sam when in school, you both were so popular. I am sure you had a wonderful 63 years of marriage. May God bless and hold you and your family close in his arms in this time of sorrow. I will be thinking and praying for you in the days to come. With love,
Maggie Spoon Tolson Moyer

Maggie Spoon Moyer

March 21, 2013

David and Brenda, your family in my prayers and thoughts during this time. Have lots of memories of your dad during high school.

Kevin Kelley

March 21, 2013

I have such fond memories of Mr. Sam & remember the affection he showed towards Mrs. Coker. He was a true gentleman & great Dad to all his children.
I have each of the family in my prayers.
God Bless!

Angie Desadier-Colwell

March 17, 2013

Dr. Coker was a professional in HPERD who will be missed by all. He provided assistance, support and leadership unmatched. Well wishes and Prayers are extended to the Coker Family.

Willie Daniel

March 16, 2013

To the Coker Family:

I am so sadden to learn of the death of Dr. "Sam". He was so helpful and nice to work with at NSU. You all will be in my prayers.

Mildred Moore

March 13, 2013

Ms. Coker-
Mr. Coker helped at NSU in the 90's as a nontraditional student in the Continuing Education Department. He was so much help to me at that time. I would not have made it without his encouragement. God bless you and your family.

Edwina Hayward

March 13, 2013

I am so sorry for your loss. God be with you in your sorrow.

Jerry Wilson

March 13, 2013

To the Coker Family:

I worked with Dr. Coker in the Continuing Education Department as a student worker in the 90s. He was always so supportive, and I learned so much from them. Mrs. Coker, you and your family are in my prayers.

Mrs. Carletta Jones

March 12, 2013

Charlsie,Cindy,Gordon,David and families. You all know how much I loved your husband/dad. He was wonderful to me when we were growing up and as an adult. I will always have the warmest of thoughts and feelings for him and all of you. Love and Blessings to you all during this difficult time.

Nancy Makar

March 12, 2013

I am so sorry for your loss. Praying for the whole family for peace and understanding.

Marcia Bolton

March 12, 2013

David and Brenda:

I am so sorry to hear about Dr. Coker. He was a great person and will make an amazing angel.

Juddy, Star, Cain and Cody Hamous

Star Hamous

March 12, 2013

Mrs. Coker and Family...I am so sad to hear of the passing of Dr. Coker. Please know that all of you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Sending My Love,
Nancy (Thomas) Teegardin

March 11, 2013

Cathy Sutton

March 11, 2013

Dear Mrs. Coker,
I just wanted to tell you how sorry I am for your loss of Mr. Sam,
I realize how much you went through in the past. You are a very special and kind person, if you ever need anything please feel free to call us 352-4842 663-1519.

Mike and Christy Rachal

March 11, 2013

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