John Ernest Kokas

John Ernest Kokas, age 77, of Salt Lick, passed away Monday, September 16, 2024, at Maysville Nursing & Rehab Center in Maysville.
Born August 18, 1947, in Lexington, Kentucky, a son of the late John Gerald "Jack" Kokas and Ernestine Lewis Kokas. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Janice Lambert Kokas on September 16, 2012.
John is survived by three sons, Travis Kokas (Jenni Salamon) of Columbus, Ohio, Matthew Kokas (Gabriela) of Louisville, Kentucky, and Lance Kokas of Flatwoods, Kentucky; one sister, Lisa Neile Kokas of Ann Arbor, Michigan; mother of his children, Ruthie Webb; several cousins; and other extended family and church family who will cherish his memory.
John was raised in Milford, Michigan, the home town of his grandmother, Helen Kokas. He attended Milford High School, where he was a pretty darn good athlete. Baseball was his primary sport; he played in the outfield, had good speed and an accurate arm.
He graduated in June of 1965. From there he attended Michigan State University in East Lansing for three years. During this time, the Spartan football team won national championships in 65 and 66. Then he decided to transfer and finish his undergraduate studies at the University of Kentucky. He has always loved the State of Kentucky and I suspect that KY basketball may have had a little influence on him, too. Those were the days of Dan Issel and Mike Pratt to name a couple. He made sure his sister knew the roster. You probably understand by now that his main passion is sports. He not only lived and breathed sports, but I'm pretty sure he dreamed about them, too.
He was a history buff, especially the Civil War era. He at one time had an extensive book collection on this subject. His vocation was a high school teacher. He taught primarily history and geography. His career began at Fairview High School in Ashland. And, from there he taught at various schools all over the state: Russell High, Shelbyville, Ohio County, Paris and back to Russell. Along with teaching he also coached at all of these schools. Sometimes head coach, sometimes assistant; the sport also varied between football, basketball, baseball and soccer. John returned to UK to obtain his master's degree, all the while teaching and coaching during much of this time. He was an extremely hard worker when achieving a desired goal. However, not so much when the heart was lacking interest, for example: housekeeping. That was an attempt at a little humor, but oh so true. After retiring from the Kentucky School System, he moved to Ocala, Florida, and taught and coached at Dunnellon High School. In 2001 he experienced a major stroke and had to learn to speak once more. Life became difficult. Eventually, he moved back to his beloved state of Kentucky.
John was a member of the "Committee of 101" at UK for many years, which allowed him to usher and view the games. He was passionate about dogs. Always desiring to own one, but in his later years it was not practical. Always eager for a competitive game of Rook, there were many times when the family pulled all-nighters. He also loved the challenge of defeating his opponents at croquet. He was definitely a competitor.
Another love of John's was his church, Lakeview Community in Salt Lick. He had great admiration for the pastor, Eddie Dennison. The pastor and members became his family. He was always bragging about the cooks and bringing home sweet goodies, which he knew he shouldn't be eating. John, you will be missed.
The family wishes to thank his caretaker, Gina Triplett and her husband Timothy for welcoming him into their home for his final year. Not sure you knew, but he thought the world of you both. Also, thanks go to the doctors and nurses at St. Claire in Morehead and the Maysville Nursing Facility who cared for John during his last couple of months.
While your generosity is greatly appreciated, the family kindly requests no flowers. Contributions to Lakeview Community Church (581 Cave Run Lake Rd., Salt Lick, KY 40371) in memory of John Kokas would be appreciated, especially knowing how much he loved this church.
Funeral services will be conducted 3 p.m. Saturday, September 21, 2024, at Lakeview Community Church with Pastor Eddie Dennison officiating. Burial will follow in W. H. Lewis Family Cemetery in Blaze, Kentucky.
Family and friends will serve as pallbearers.
Visitation will be from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, September 21, 2024, at Lakeview Community Church, 581 Cave Run Lake Road, Salt Lick, KY 40371.
Arrangements are under the directions of Northcutt & Son Home for Funerals, 400 Fraley Drive, Morehead, KY 40351.
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