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Mark Coker Obituary

Mark Coker, 43, Topeka, passed away on Sunday, June 3, 2012 at Stormont Vail Regional Health Center from a severe head injury. He gave the gift of life through organ and tissue donation. Mark was born May 31, 1969 in Topeka, the third child of Walt and Pat (Mercier) Coker. He graduated in 1987 from Shawnee Heights High School and also graduated from then Kaw Area Technical School. Mark had been employed since 1989 by Shawnee Heights School District #450. He previously worked at Hypermart and Little Engine Doctor. In 1991 Mark was the top rookie in the state bus driver roadeo competition. He competed at the international level three times in 1993, 2001 and 2003 winning the competition in 2003. Mark was an avid KU fan, loved riding his Harley Davidson Motorcycle and attending tractor shows with his dad and brother. Mark married Kim Howbert. They later divorced. Survivors include his parents of Topeka; brother Greg Coker, Overbrook; sister Paula (David) Auten, Tecumseh; nephew Brent Coker, Topeka; nieces Paige and Bailey Auten, Tecumseh; many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends and his beloved black lab puppy Colt. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents Walter and Anna Coker, Ness City, and his maternal grandparents Pat and Juanita Mercier of Valley Falls. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, June 7, 2012 at St. Matthew Catholic Church. Interment will follow at St. Mary s Cemetery in Valley Falls, Kansas. Mark will lie in state at the Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home on Wednesday after 2:00 p.m. where a Parish Vigil Service will be at 6:00 p.m. The family will receive friends following the vigil service until 8:00 p.m. Memorials may be made in Marks memory to St. Matthew Catholic Church or to Shawnee Heights High School to be designated at a later date and sent in care of Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Ave., Topeka, Kansas 66603. Please wear casual clothing to the visitation and service. Mark Coker

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Published by Topeka Capital-Journal on Jun. 5, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Mark Coker

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Zeller Tawnya

May 31, 2025

Mark, i still can´t believe you are gone we had so many grades together at shes and i am sure more in jr and high school. i know that you would have been an amazing pop pops and father in law. You bday and my hubby´s is the same, I think of you often. Thank you for being a SHES friend.

Zeller Tawnya

May 30, 2024

Mark you were in my 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, grade class. You´re missed and loved!!!

Karen Bradley

May 31, 2020

I can't begin to say I know how hard these years have been. I'm hoping all the wonderful memories you have of Mark have brought you love and peace. May God continue to grant you strength and blessings.

Patty McPherson

May 30, 2019

I loved Mark with all of my heart. RIP Mark. We have an angel with us.

Tawnya Klusener-Zeller

May 30, 2019

Thinking of you since our Birthdays were only 8 days apart. Wishing you a Happy 50th in Heaven. Remember bringing b-day treats with you when we were in elementary school.

Tawnya Klusener-Zeller

June 18, 2012

So sorry to hear of Mark's passing. He was always a happy and wonderful friend. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.

Lisa Buchanan

June 11, 2012

I am very sorry for your loss, my prayers and thoughts are with you. Mark will be missed by many!

Kathy (Bauman) Barforoush

June 10, 2012

I am so sorry for your loss. You are all in my prayers.

C Christenson

June 7, 2012

Pat and Walt and the Coker family,
I'm sorry I just got the worst news But Good News Mark went Home with his Savior and Lord Jesus Christ. You are in my thoughts and Prayers.May Jesus' Holy Spirit Comforter be with all of you at this time. "The JOY of the LORD is OUR STRENGTH" Nehemiah 8:10 God Bless You ALL- Praise the Father The Son The Three in 1.
In Christian Love,
The Christenson's
Connie Melvin Dustin Thomas Lacey and Ian.

Dave Tew

June 7, 2012

Please accept my deepest sympathies.

Patty Domme

June 7, 2012

Brent and family,
My prayers and thoughts are with you during this time of sorrow.

Martin Boos

June 7, 2012

Pat, Walt, and family,

Sorry to hear of Mark's death. I will offer a chaplet for both he and you. Peace in the Lord.

Marty

Adam Kostecki

June 6, 2012

I'm so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.

Judy Crider

June 6, 2012

My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Mark was a great friend and supporter of our (Price) family. He was always there when the family called. Please find comfort that he is with Bruce and they both are watching over all of us. He will be missed but never forgotten! God bless each of you and hope you will find comfort from all the good your son did for others. Judy Crider

Michael Donigan

June 6, 2012

In reading all these entries, I am so proud that my dear cousin Mark touched so many lives in such a personal and memorable way. As my memory of him shines while he enters his glorious reward above, I pray for all of sorrow and pain to fade as you enjoy the memory of Mark's loving smile.
Peace & Love to all.

Stephen Clark

June 6, 2012

Dear Walt, Pat, Greg, Paula, David, Paige and Bailey, I am so sorry for your loss. I pray that God will carry you in His arms and comfort you in this your time of need. God Bless you and may Mark rest in Peace!

Larry Bluthardt

June 6, 2012

From the school bus safety education staff here in the Kansas State Department of Education, we offer our condolences and prayers. Mark was an excellent example of a person loving people. May God be with him. Larry, Wilma and Deb.

Alicia Kostecki

June 6, 2012

Dear Walt, Pat, Paula, Greg and the whole Coker family. I was so sad to hear about Mark's passing. My thoughts have been and continue to be with your family.

Wendi Georgie

June 6, 2012

Kim and the Coker family, I am saddened to hear of Mark's accident. My prayers will be with you at this time of adjustment and sorrow.

The Ramskill Family

June 6, 2012

To the family,
We are truly sorry for your loss. Mark was a great guy and always had a smile on his face. He will be remembered fondly.

Karrie Brooks

June 6, 2012

To the entire Coker Family - I so saddened to hear of Mark's sudden passing. My thoughts and prayers will be with you during this diffuclt time.

Cindy (Chapman) Beavers

June 6, 2012

My Deepest Sympathy to the family and friends of Mark. May the memories you cherish...carry you through this difficult time of healing.

Kelli Whitener-Bodenheimer

June 6, 2012

Dear Walt, Pat, Paula and family: I am so very sorry for your loss. May your memories of Mark bring you comfort and peace during this very difficult time.

Eric Brunner

June 6, 2012

To Coker Family:

Sorry for your loss, Mark was a good friend from elementary through high school. He'll will be missed by many.

Tony Kostecki

June 6, 2012

Pat, Walt & family - I was so shocked and saddened to hear about Mark's tragic accident and death. Please know that you are all in my thoughts at this difficult time.

The Ukena's

June 6, 2012

Walt, Pat, Paula and Family,
So sorry to hear about Mark. Our prayers are with you and your family.
God Bless

Duane & Rosie Henson

June 6, 2012

Dear Pat, Walt, Paula, David, Paige and Baily - We are so sorry to learn of Mark's death. He and all of you are in our thoughts and prayers.

Cindy and Mandy Sewell

June 6, 2012

Pat and Walt,
We're so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Donetta Foster

June 6, 2012

My condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones of Mark Coker.
Sincerely,

Ron & Sara Miles

June 6, 2012

Walt, Pat and family,
So sorry to hear of your loss. We know how this hurts. Sometimes things are easier to bear when you know friends care. May time and love bring you peace.

June 5, 2012

Patty, Walt and family, I was so very sorry to hear about Mark. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers. I know your pain.
Candy(Carter) Frenn

June 5, 2012

Walt, Pat and Family
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this extremely difficult time. May the peace and love of our Savior Jesus Christ be with you all.

Danny and Suzanne Coker

Sandy Stephenson (Lewis)

June 5, 2012

Patty and Walt, I am so sorry for your loss. I am at a loss of words. May God be with you two and comfort you during this tragic time.I have fond memories of Mark when we were kids. He will be missed.

Adrienne Diaz

June 5, 2012

Walt, Pat, and family,
I am very saddened to hear about Mark. I am truly and deeply sorry for your loss! You all are in my thoughts and prayers as you go through this difficult time. I love you all very much.

The Eichkorns

June 5, 2012

Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. God Bless Mark.

Angela Pabst

June 5, 2012

Walt, Pat, and family,
We are so sorry to hear about Mark. Please know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Kenny, Angela & Spencer Pabst

June 5, 2012

Patty and Family,

I'm so sorry for the loss of your son. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Anne (Martin) Attebery

Jeff Harjo

June 5, 2012

Mark was a great friend to me!! We sure had some great times together and I will miss him and his laugh. My heart goes out to the family and friend that he left behind.

Ryan Schmidt

June 5, 2012

I'm going to miss Mark. He had the special gift of being able to brighten your day just from his signature wave or his "straight faced" smile he'd give as he rolled into Heights for work. He was a tremendous help to the baseball team at Heights over the years. If I needed help, he found a way to get it done... A true friend to the Shawnee Heights Community.

Jan Wise

June 5, 2012

To Mark's Family,
I'm so very sorry for your loss. Mark was a really good guy who always had a smile for everyone. He made my School Bus Driving and U.S.D. 450 Road-eo days very special. He will be missed by all that knew him. May you find comfort in your Faith, Family, and Friends through this difficult time. God's Blessings to all of you. You are in our thoughts and prayers,
Jan and Jennifer Wise

Jeff Sturgeon

June 5, 2012

So sorry to hear of Mark's loss. I went to school with Mark and wish his entire family my deepest sympathies.

Betty Edson

June 5, 2012

Walt,Pat,Paula,and all the family- We were sad to read of Mark's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Dean & Betty Edson

Rick, Stacy Jake and Bailee Kober

June 5, 2012

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Shelly Luebbe

June 5, 2012

Walt, Pat, Paula and family -
I'm so sorry to hear this sad news. Please know you all will be in our thougths and prayers. I pray the peace and love of Christ will surround all of you during this very difficult time. We love you all -

Shelly, Randy, Aubree and Madison Luebbe

Chris Korb

June 5, 2012

I always knew Mark to be a kind, generous , and funloving person. I enjoyed the times he would come to Tecumseh North. I am glad I had the chance to know him. Our thouhts and prayers to your family.

Chris Korb

June 5, 2012

Pat, Walt and family I can't express how sorry I was to learn of your loss. No words I can come up with will ease your sorrow but know that God will give you strength. Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. Karen&Gary Bradley Bern Ks

June 5, 2012

bruce and linda sweany

Tanya Howbert

June 5, 2012

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Will miss seeing him at work in the district.

~Shad, Tanya, Madison & MacKenzie Howbert

oradella Jones

June 5, 2012

To Marks Family and Friends

Mark was a great guy I'm so glad I had the chance to work with him over the years. I'm also thankful that him and Kelly and my family spent New Year's Eve together. My prayers with you all God Bless

Janet Wulfkuhle

June 5, 2012

To the family of Mark Coker. I work in the kitchen at SHHS, I have always Mark was a very nice and friendly man! So sorry for your loss you are in prayers! Janet Wulfkuhle

June 5, 2012

To Mark's family:

Judy and I are so very sorry to hear of your loss. I will always remember Mark fondly with my memories of working with him at Shawnee Heights. Each and every day Mark gave all of us the very special gift of his presence. I will miss him, he was a wonderful guy and a great co-worker. Our prayers and thoughts are with you all.

Bob & Judy Salmon

June 5, 2012

Pat, Walt, Greg, Paula & family,

We are so sadden to hear the loss of Mark. He was a nice guy. You are in our thoughts and prayers. God bless to all. Be strong and you will through this. Bruce & Stephanie from Washington,KS

Rick Hammond

June 5, 2012

Paula and Family, I am so sorry to hear about Marks passing. Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss…our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.

Janelle Weigel Williams

June 5, 2012

My thoughts are with Mark's family at this time of suffering. It's been many years since I have seen Mark but I have fond memories of our time together in CCD at St. Matt's. Rely on your faith for strength!

June 5, 2012

To Mark's family-
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Mark was a nice guy who always had a smile. He will be missed. God bless you all in this time of sorrow.
Vicki Tryon-Tec. So. Elem

June 5, 2012

Pat and family, so sorry for your loss. My son-on-law worked with him and says he was a great person. May God be with you all.

Betie Smith Garhart
(Mount 1956-58)

Pam Peters

June 5, 2012

Paula, David, Paige, Bailey & Family, Wish I had some words to say that would help at this time. Hold tight to all your memories.

Scott and Jill Stevenson

June 5, 2012

Paula and Greg and Family
Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers!
Scott and Jill Stevenson

Jamie (Martin) West

June 5, 2012

Coker family, I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

June 5, 2012

I am so sorry about Mark's passing. He will be greatly missed. He always told me when we talked that he was livin the dream. Now, he truly is livin the dream with our heavenly father. May God's love comfort you during this sorrowful time.
Lexi, Paige and Tara Hetrick

June 5, 2012

To Mark's family,
I'm so very sorry for your loss. Mark was truly a good guy, and always had a smile for everyone. He will be missed by all that knew him. May you find comfort in your Faith, Family, and Friends through this difficult time. God's Blessing to you all.

Jane Marie Schmidtberger....SHHS

Gary and Judy Menke

June 5, 2012

Pat, Walt and Family, so sorry to hear of the loss of your son. Know that your and your family are in our prayers.

Tracy Patterson

June 5, 2012

"I'm sorry for your loss, Mark was really a great guy.He will be dearly missed.My prayers and thoughts are with you all. If you need anything just give me a call.
Tracy Patterson

Bill Rezac

June 5, 2012

Walt & Pat
Only remember Mark as a baby, but please accept my deepest sympathy and condolence to you and your family.

June 5, 2012

Gregg
I am very sorry for the loss of your brother.I know he will be missed by your family and friends.May God be with you and your family.
Doug & Shannon

Joe Taylor

June 5, 2012

I was so saddened to hear the passing of Mark. He was a great guy and I truly enjoyed getting to know him while working at SH. He will be missed. I am praying for your family. God Bless!

Patty Mcpherson

June 5, 2012

Mark, We had 2 great years togethere. I will always love you, Patty

Cindi Hewitt

June 5, 2012

Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal...Praying for the family.
Ted Cindi & the girls

Randy Luebbe

June 5, 2012

Walt, Pat & Paula

I am so sorry to hear of Mark's passing. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers.

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