Robert "Papa" Hilton Coker, Sr.

1925 - 2011

Last surviving child of Walter H. Coker and Mary Booker Cokee, joined his beloved wife of over 58 years, Billie Marie Bennet Coker in Heaven on Saturday, August 6, 2011. Preceded in death by his son Robert H. (Bob) Coker, Jr, He is survived by daughter Carole and her husband , Bill Brandenburg, his care giver; grandchildren, Ginny Heisler (Michael), Tony Starkie (Jill), Lindsay "Kiki" Brandenburg (Lindsey), Tim Starkie, Nick Brandenburg (Kristen), Dawn Brandenburg, Jared Brandenburg, John Starkie, Robert Starkie ( Amy), Twenty Great grandchildren, his constant and faithful companion Bogie (Bo) Coker, Numerous nieces and nephews, extended family and friends.

Born May 27, 1925 in Drewery, Alabama, died August 6, 2011 in Pensacola, Florida, raised various locations in Florida and Alabama, settling, making his home in the Beach Heaven Community of Pensacola, Florida.

He served in the ARMY Air Corp during WWII, September 1943 through March 1946 as an Airplane Sheet Metal Worker. Upon returning to his home, he met and married the love of his life and prettiest woman he had ever seen, Billie. He worked at NAS Pensacola NARF as an Airplane Maintenance and Quality Inspector retiring in 1978.

He was a member of Pensacola Baptist Temple for several years moving his membership in 1965 to Beach Heaven Baptist Church where he served as a Deacon. He was fifty plus year Master Mason and Member of Naval Lodge 24 Warrington, FL, he also was a member of the Scottish Rite since July 1982. He loved his family and friends and until his health started to fail he was known for always having a garden of vegetables and fruit, which he was glad to share.

He was a man of strong character who stood up for what he thought was right, he was always there first for those in need, both family and strangers. He loved his God, family and Country unconditionally. A true Patriarc has passed and will be forever missed by all who knew him.

Pallbearers will be his Grandsons, Honorary Pallbearers will be Deacons of his Church and Members of Masonic Lodge.

A special Thanks to the staff at Joyce Goldberg Covenant Hospice Residence for the Love and Care given to Papa during his last days with us.

Visitation will be on Tuesday, August 9, 2011 form 6:00 to 8:00 pm. at Oak Lawn Funeral Home Chapel, 619 New Warrington Road, Pensacola, Florida. Funeral Service will be on Wednesday, August 10, 2011 at 11:00 am at Oak Lawn Funeral Home Chapel, Internment will follow at Myrtle Grove Cemetery.

Arrangements under the direction of Oak Lawn Funeral Home, Pensacola, FL., Phone Number: 850-453-2321