Henry Coke

Graveside services will be at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, April 12, 2011, in Texas State Veterans Cemetery, directed by Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home, 5701 Highway 277 South. A memorial service will follow at 2:30 p.m. at Pioneer Drive Baptist Church, with Dr. Jeff Reid and Reverend Jack Ridlehoover officiating. The family will receive friends at a visitation from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.

Henry Earl (Bud) Coke was born December 26, 1915 in Fisher County to T.E. and Hattie Coke. His family moved to Plains, Texas where they lived for many years. Bud graduated from Plains High School. He served in the United States Army Air Corps during World War II, spending three years in the Pacific. He served in New Caledonia, Guadalcanal, The Philippines, and other islands. Sergeant Coke took pride in serving for his country. After serving in World War II, Bud started college at Texas Tech University. While in Lubbock, he met the love of his life, Ruby Vivian. They married August 31, 1947 in Plains, Texas and were married for 62 wonderful years. They moved to Abilene so Bud could attend Hardin-Simmons University, where he graduated in 1950.

Bud worked for Texas Pacific Oil Company and Sun Oil Company before retiring in 1980. He worked as an Oil Scout and a Petroleum Landman. Bud was a charter member of The American Petroleum Landman Association.

Bud and Ruby has three children and lived most of their married lives in Midland, Abilene, Stephenville, and Clyde. Bud was a member of Pioneer Drive Baptist Church. He was a proud member of the Kiwanis Club of Abilene. He enjoyed volunteering for the West Texas Fair and Rodeo, the Six White Horses, and many other events. Bud loved to hunt and fish. He especially enjoyed ranching and his love for horses and mules.

Bud loved football and baseball. He played football at Plains High School. He was instrumental in naming the mascot for Plains High School, The Cowboys. He loved attending sporting events that his children and grandchildren were involved in.

Bud loved the Cooper Cougar PALS that visited him every Tuesday. He enjoyed the friendships he shared with the wonderful students. He also had many friends at Royal Estates where he lived.

Bud was preceded in death by his loving wife, Ruby; his parents; two brothers, Shorty Coke and Arlin Coke; and a baby sister, Geraldine Coke.

Bud is survived by one son, Buddy Coke and wife, Sandra, of Odessa, Texas; two daughters, Sue Cobb and husband, Dale, of Decatur, Texas and Terri Hagelstein and husband, Lee, of Arlington, Texas; also, nine grandchildren, Mindy Jameson and husband, Will, of Denton, Casey Cobb of Decatur, Jake Cobb of Decatur, Ty Coke and wife, Tonya, of Odessa, Brady Coke and wife, Lindsey, of Odessa, Kelley Coke of St. Louis, Haley Coke of Odessa, Bryce Hagelstein of The Woodlands, Coyt Hagelstein of Lubbock; two great-granddaughters, Courtney Cobb and Ryon Coke; and one great-grandson, Cooper Jameson. He is also survived by three sisters, Sidney Murphey of Lubbock, Crip Henard of Plains, and Jimmie Woodruff of Waco; one brother, Clyde Coke of Ft. Worth; and numerous nieces, nephews, and lots of great friends.

Bud's grandsons will serve as pallbearers.

Thanks, Pappy, for your love, wonderful times, and telling all of those stories.

Memorial gifts in Bud's name may be made to Hospice of the Big Country, 4601 Hartford, 2nd Floor, Abilene, Texas 79605.

You may view and sign the guestbook at www.elliott-hamil.com.