Ronald Allen Coker, 71, of Fort Branch, passed away Friday, Aug. 13, 2010 at home after a courageous battle with cancer.

Ron was born in Owensville to Frank and Mary (McCall) Coker.

He married Beverly “Bev” (Mobley) Coker on May 2, 1958. He graduated from Princeton High School with the class of 1957 and was a veteran of the U.S. Army serving as a staff sergeant.

A true entrepreneur and salesman, Ron sold cars at Temple Chevrolet in Princeton and then owned Coker’s Motor Sales in Princeton. He also was co-owner of Carlton Ford Lincoln Mercury Motor Co. in Mt. Carmel, Ill.  Ron also served as a member of the Fort Branch town council. Ron owned Jewel Dimensions and LiBev Enterprises in Fort Branch before retiring in 2004.

In retirement, Ron received his realtors license and worked for Don Morrow Realty. He was a member of Marsh Creek 4-H and FFA, serving as president. Ron continued to educate youth in the 4-H program throughout his years. He was a member of the Fort Branch Masonic Lodge 696, Scottish Rite Valley of Evansville, Mt. Carmel Elks Lodge 715, Princeton Moose Lodge 354, Mt. Carmel Aerie Fraternal Order of Eagles 3066, active in the Democrat party and member of Bethel Memorial Church where he and his wife were greeters.

He is survived by his wife,  Beverly “Bev” Coker; a daughter Lisa (Joe) Gilpatrick; three grandchildren, Jason and Joseph both of Fort Branch, Jilian (Michael) Ferguson of Lafayette; his beloved dog, Tipper; brother Richard Coker of Bodfish, Calif.; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Frances (Coker) Davis, Welzie Coker, Alice (Coker) Harbison, Lawrence Coker; and a daughter, Teresa Lynn Coker.

Visitation will be 2-8 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 17, 2010 at Colvin Funeral Home in Princeton with a Masonic service conducted by the Fort Branch Masonic Lodge at 7 p.m.

Additional visitation will follow from noon until 2 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 18, 2010 at Bethel Memorial Church with funeral services beginning at 2 p.m. with Pastor Kyle Powell officiating. Burial will follow at Walnut Hill Cemetery. VFW Post 1147 will conduct military graveside services.  Contact Colvin Funeral Home at (812) 385-5221 with questions.

A special thanks to Dr. Thomas Waits and staff at OHS, Dr. Quentin Emerson and staff at South Gibson Medical Clinic, Southern Care Hospice and our Bethel Memorial Church Family.

Ron will be greatly missed by his family and friends.