Ron Coker, 70, of Van Buren, passed away Wednesday, April 20, 2022 at his home. He was born August 24, 1951 in Fort Smith to the late Donald and Dorothy (Roach) Coker. He was a retired pharmacist and owner of Coker Drug in Van Buren.
A past-president of the Chamber of Commerce and the Old Town Merchants Association in Van Buren, Ron was active in his community and gave freely of his time to help others. Generous to a fault, he was loving, big-hearted, and an eternal optimist. As he said, “SOMEONE has to win the lottery!” Alas, he never did.
Despite not-a-few personal tragedies, Ron always had a smile on his face and considered it his personal mission to make any and everyone laugh. Which he pretty much was able to do. (Some people simply won’t be amused.) He’d say anything just to get a chuckle. Not even his failing health was so serious it couldn’t be joked about.
In his spare time, Ron enjoyed embarrassing his children, “supervising” others as they worked, and talking to complete strangers wherever he went. He was a voracious reader and especially loved Psalms and Proverbs. An avid fan of Days of Our Lives, he’d tell his friends and family, “Don’t call me between 1 and 2!” Otherwise, he had an open-door policy; anyone was welcome, anytime.
He is survived by his wife, Judy Coker of the home; a daughter, Dee-Anne Hernandez of Albuquerque, NM; a son, Marcus Coker of Fort Smith; two sisters, Donna Bankston and Carla Coker, both of Van Buren; and two grandchildren, Christopher and Ander Hernandez.
Memorial service will be 10:00 a.m. Monday, April 25, 2022 at Edwards Van-Alma Funeral Home Chapel with committal of ashes at the Fort Smith National Cemetery. Cremation is under the direction of Edwards Van-Alma Funeral Home of Van Buren, AR.
The family will visit with friends immediately following the service at the funeral home, 4100 Alma Highway, Van Buren, AR.
