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Joseph Coker Obituary

COKER Joseph A. Joseph Anthony "Poge" Coker, age 54, of Maumee, OH, died Friday, January 4, 2008, at Ridgewood Manor in Maumee. He was born in Toledo on November 12, 1953, to Ellis W. and Kathryn (Viola) Coker. An entrepreneur by nature, Poge owned and operated many successful businesses throughout Toledo, most notably he co-owned and operated National Upholstery and the Ultimate Edge Fashion Co. He also worked as a tool & die maker for Michigan Saw & Cutter for many years. He was a devoted family man who enjoyed motorcycle riding, he coached softball and he was a member of LPA "Little People of America. He is survived by his children, Daphne (Jeff) Bloomer, George (Rachel) Coker and Aresha Coker; granddaughter, Cheyenne Roth; mother, Kathryn Coker; brother, William Coker; sisters, Dia Coker, Vickey (Don) Montgomery, Tena (Michael) Bastian and Chris Luce. He was preceded in death by his father, Ellis "Moe" Coker. In honoring Poge's wishes, there will be no visitation, however a celebration of his life will be held on Thursday, January 10, 2008 from 4-8 p.m. in The Distillery, 4311 Heatherdowns Blvd. in Toledo. Contributions in his name may be made to either the L.P.A. "Little People of America", Odyssey Healthcare or to the Neapolis Church of Christ. Arrangements by Neville Funeral Home at Reynolds Corners (419-535-0951).

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Published by The Blade from Jan. 6 to Jan. 7, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Coker

27 Entries

Chrys Johnson

January 23, 2008

Daphne,
I am so sorry for your loss, I know how much you love your dad. Just remember all the good times and laughs you had with your dad, he's still right there with you. I pray that you find the strength to keep on smiling and that bubbly personality keeps shining. Time will not heal all wounds but it will get a little easier everyday.

LOVE YOU!!!

Vicky Montgomery

January 20, 2008

Melissa, You always have a way with words and I'm glad you were with me alot of times I went up to take him lunch or a smoke and wonderful conversations. I'm honored to have spent so much time with him some days I was so tired but when I left I always felt so good. Poge and I had alot of laughs over the years I hold on to that special time. I was never to busy just to stop in and say hey how r ya doin and he would reply "Fine as frog hairs" It is a big void in my life right now but God has taken a special angel. Remember the words he told me "As long as I'm in your heart I'm not far away. I'm also glad your Dad and I got his book published he wanted that so bad, and the day we took it up to him oh the tears of joy and such an accomplishment for him, Yes, he was and is my hero!! Love ya Poge and Melissa you too thanks for the kind words...

melissa hicks

January 17, 2008

Their are so many people with memories so many. Kimmie really said a mouth full. I remember when me and kim caught a fish when we all went camping and the hook when through the mouth and out of the eye we were flipping out and uncle poge just took it out and threw it back. I miss every one. He has taught me alot growing up but also in the past few years. I know that i can do anything because he did, he really hung on there. I want to thank you Mom (Vicky) for being there for him everytime he called on you. He asked about you alot and this has brought you two closer.I would of loved to have been more help but I AM SURe all of us wished that. I am just glad you were there for him. Thank you so much. Ilove you and all of you. I hope Daph, Arisha, and George are doing ok. God Bless. Melissa

SISTIE GABEL

January 13, 2008

I ONLY GOT TO KNOW POGE FOR A VERY SHORT TIME AT RIDGEWOOD WHILE MINISTERING TO HIS SPIRITUAL NEEDS BUT THAT TIME WAS WELL SPENT. I WOULD HAVE BEEN TO THE DISTILLARY TO MEET HIS FAMILY BUT HAD TO SETTLE FOR A "TOAST" ON THE BEACH IN FORT MYERS, FLORIDA BECAUSE I AM HERE FOR THE WINTER. I WISH YOU ALL THE VERY BEST FOR 2008. THANK YOU FOR YOUR COMMENTS IN THIS GUEST BOOK HELPING ME GET TO KNOW HIM A LITTLE BETTER. SOUNDS LIKE YOU HAVE SOME WONDERFUL MEMORIES OF A WONDERFUL MAN! SISTIE GABEL, EUCHARISTIC MINISTER FROM ST. JOAN OF ARC CHURCH

jody crawford

January 13, 2008

I was one of the lucky ones who showed up Thursday for the memorial party. Thank you - Poge was a one of a kind, gentle, unique and special person. God bless

Kimmi Rosado < Kenyon>

January 12, 2008

My Uncle Pogie was a saint.He touched the lives of everyone he knew. Every kid that knew him became a better person because of him.I remember we went fishing one time and all we caught were little fish.Well, we went to McDonalds afterwards and he took our tiny fish inside and came out with a big bag of fish sandwiches. All us kids were so proud of "our" fish sandwiches that we caught. I think that was the same fishing trip that P.J. ate a worm because he thought Uncle Pogie did. He had the best sense of humor. When you were around him, life just seemed a little funnier.He made a huge impact on my life. He taught me to be compassionate and to care about the environment and animals and other people.I will miss him terribly. Forever I will carry with me the values and lessons he taught me about life and I will pass it on to my kids and in that way he will live forever.

Don & Vicky Montgomery

January 11, 2008

Daph & Jeff, George & Rachael, & Arisha & Cheyene,were so proud of the Celebration of life you guys gave for Poge, it is exactly what he would have wanted all laughs and smiles, good memories and the way you all set it up. I love all of you very much you and your Dad knew that, that is all that is important to me.Please stay in touch for we all have some good and bad memeories of growing up. I'm so proud of all of u and so was your Dad. Cheyenne, your Papa loved you very much as momma probably told you hold on to his love for he will always hold on to the love for you. Aunt Vicky & Uncle Don

Tom and Dawn Bloomer, Jr.

January 9, 2008

Our deepest sympothy goes out to the Coker family. Poge was a great guy. You should be comforted to know he is at peace and without pain.

melissa hicks

January 8, 2008

Wow, Uncle Poge.Growing up was fun because of him. The fires,camping,
most of all superbowl Sundays! I remember riding his go-cart it was soo much fun. I remember camping and how he would tell us he ate worms and we believed him. He is a great man, wonderful uncle and the best God father I could of ever had. I have so many wonderful memories of him and I will take them with me. I have celebrated Super Bowl Sunday with Uncle Poge and My family since I was very little and We are gonna do Super Bowl Sunday big for him this year. I know him and grandpa will be there. Love ya Uncle Poge!, Melissa Hicks (Montgomery).

Dia Coker

January 8, 2008

He was not only my brother, but my best friend. He was kind, caring, funny and a good listener. Graduating High School at the age of sixteen, made him the most intelligent man I have ever known. He endured many obstacles in his life, I don't think I myself could have handled. However he faced each and every one without complaints, saying they made him a better person. The things he accomplished in his 54 years of life most people only dream of. I feel it an honor to have been his sister. I will miss you my best friend, my Brother. See you on the other side.

P.K. Bedsole

January 7, 2008

Dear Katie and family...When your heart feels empty filling it with happy memories can help.
Psalm 37:18 The Lord Knoweth the days of the upright: and their inheritance shall be for ever...
Your in my thoughts and prayers...
P.K.

Daphne Bloomer

January 7, 2008

I would like to thank everybody for their loving words. Our dad was one of a kind and know one could ever compare to him. We miss him very much and boy did we love him. We are looking forward to seeing all his old friends thursday at the Celebration for his life. Hoping to hear some good stories from everybody. Once again thank you for all your kind words.

Daphne & Jeff Bloomer
George & Rachel Coker
Arisha Coker

Cindy Crawford/Heffran

January 7, 2008

You are all in my thoughts and prayers! Poge was a very sweet, special, one of a kind person!

Denise Ingle

January 7, 2008

For time pass quickly know that Poges is always with you not by sight,but as the wind blows and touches your face the sun shine's, the sound of cycle's you know he is always around.may time heal and memories bring you to peace.My deepest sympathy to family and friends

Scott Keller

January 7, 2008

This is truely a loss, I love the guy and will miss him greatly.

Robin

January 7, 2008

Daphne and Family -

I'm sorry to hear about your loss... one of my ealiest memories of Uncle Poge was him doing magic tricks with a coin (finding it behind my ear, rubbing my belly and "pushing" the coin through and taking it out of my back). When I was older, I remember him taking us to the bowling alley, where Molly Hatchet were signing autographs with WIOT.

Brad Bloomer

January 7, 2008

I am sorry for the loss of your dad and wish everyone in the Coker family the best in your time of sorrow.

January 7, 2008

Micki Ortiz

January 7, 2008

My condolences to the family, to those of you I know, Bill, Tena, Daphne and Roger Viola (my cousin-in-law)) and to those of you I never met. Sheesh who does not know Pogey, I met him almost 30 years ago, he was getting off his tryke in front of Brother Bakers in Maumee, something got us caught up in a conversation of common interest, we took it inside and talked for a couple of hours and became instant friends, as I'm sure was the case with most persons upon meeting him. Was an enormously likeable guy, soft hearted, a true friend. And all those great parties. I haven't seen Poge in over ten years as I moved to CA. but he was remembered often, his presence in this world will be missed. I love it that he wanted his friends and family to celebrate his life, that is so Poge. I just know he gave his family and friends so much good, who will ever have time to know he is not among them if they are remembering his kindnesses.
To those of you who Loved him, my sincerest sympathy, and my prayers for you to endure your loss.
An old friend, from Bakers and the Sly Fox
Micki (Speer)Ortiz

craig bloomer

January 7, 2008

daph, these are difficult times for you and your family. please know that we are with you and thinking of you. all will be comforting in the end.

may you be at peace and know all is well,

Craig Bloomer and Family

Connie Partee (Viola)

January 6, 2008

My heart goes out to you at this time and in the days ahead.

Clyde and Rosalie Whitt

January 6, 2008

Dear Family, Many years have gone by since my wife and I have had the pleasure to reunite with our friend podge, and you all. No excuses can be made.or wishes of should haves come true now.We can now only remember fond memeries and GOD given faith that we shall all see each other in the days of our creator. LOVE TOWARDS HIS FAMILY.

Jason and Mary Brown

January 6, 2008

Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.

Joenita Crawford

January 6, 2008

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

Terrie Tran

January 6, 2008

Daphne,
We are thinking of you and your family. Deepest sympathies and love to you,
Terrie

Tena Bastian

January 6, 2008

Daphne, George and Aresha, He taught me to dance to "Brown Eyed Girl" and at midnight on his birthday every year, he called me because the next day was my birthday and he never forgot to make that call. He loved Joe Walsh and camels and liver and onions and of course Dr. Pepper. Debby was the true love of his life. He loved you kids and I am truly sorry for your loss. May you find comfort in memories such as these and know I love you. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Aunt Tena

Take Me Along

Take me along wherever you go
Wher ever your life may lead you
Take me along and in your heart, know
that I will never truly leave you.

Remember the days when we were young
remember when we were together
When Christmas was magic and summers were fun
and we thought we would live forever.

Take me along when you find someone
to share your life and live your dreams
Know that I am right here with you
no matter how far away it seems.

Talk to me when you feel alone
and I will listen with an open heart
If you believe that my spirit is strong
We will never be too far apart.

Smile when you tell our story
to those who never knew
Smile when you tell them how you made my life better
and tell them how much I love you.

Take me along on rainy days
when your heart is heavy and the sun won't shine
When winter is over and spring is coming
Will you still be my valentine?

Take me with you wherever you go
and a hundred years from now
I'll be waiting for you with open arms
and I know you will find me somehow.

I will be there in every breath you take,
every beat of your heart, everything you do
I will love you forever and ever
so take me along with you.