Walter Lee Coker

Walter Lee Coker, age 85, passed away at home on Saturday, February 18, 2023.

He was born the son of Walter Vance and Anna M. (Fercking) Coker on March 21, 1937, in Ness City, KS and graduated from Ness City High School in 1955.  He moved to Topeka in 1957 and began his lifetime career as an automotive mechanic.  After being drafted in the U.S. Army in February 1960, and later honorably discharged, he returned to Topeka and employment at Laird Noller Ford.

On February 16, 1963, Walter married Patricia Josephine Mercier in Valley Falls, KS.  Patricia passed away December 5, 2022, after 59 years of marriage. He was a longtime member of St. Matthew Catholic Church, where he helped as an usher and assisted with the Turkey Bazaar for 40 plus years. In his spare time, Walter enjoyed woodworking, jigsaw puzzles and spending time with his family.  Walter was also a 20- year member of the International Harvester Collectors Club Kansas Chapter 3.  He was proud of the IH tractors he owned and also enjoyed traveling to tractor shows and restoring IH tractors with his son Greg.

He is survived by his son, Greg Coker (Yolanda Dickinson); daughter, Paula Auten (Dcn. David Auten); three grandchildren, Brent Coker (Bev), Paige Auten, and Bailey Carr (Ben); four great-grandchildren, Katelynn Domme, Raiden Coker, Addalyn Carr, and Olivia Carr. Other survivors include a sister, Margaret Rohr and a brother, Douglas Coker.

Walter was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Patricia; son, Mark Coker; and nine siblings, Helen Schrader, Reba Kolbeck, Frances Wendler, Raymond Coker, Martin Coker, Shirley Stein, Phyllis Schuette, John Coker, and Don Coker.  

Walter will lie in state from 4:30-7:00 P.M., followed by a Parish Rosary at 6:00 P.M., on Thursday, February 23, 2023, at St. Matthew Catholic Church. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 A.M., Friday, February 24, at St. Matthew Catholic Church. A graveside service will take place at 1:00 P.M., at St. Marys Cemetery in Valley Falls, KS.

Memorial contributions can be made in Walter's memory to St. Matthew Catholic Church, 2700 SE Virginia Ave., Topeka, KS 66605. Contributions can be mailed or left with the funeral home.

To share a memory or to leave condolences, please visit, www.brennanmathenafh.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Ave., Topeka, KS 66603.