Obituary of Walter Marcus Coker
Walter M. Coker, 80, of Portland, Oregon passed away at home on June 17, 2020, after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s. Walter was born on August 27, 1939, in Houston, Texas to Homer E. and Janice Loraine Coker (Wigley). He is survived by his wife Elizabeth, daughters Kelley and Katherine, son Walter “Marc”, four grandchildren and his two brothers, Joe and Don.
Walter was a gifted musician and educator. He attended the New England Conservatory in Boston and completed his music education at Oklahoma City University. As a band director, he shared his lifelong passion for music with thousands of students during his career that spanned nearly fifty years and ranged from Oklahoma City, OK to Anchorage, Alaska. His professional music career included playing trumpet as a member of the Oklahoma City and Anchorage Symphony orchestras and countless dance bands, small ensembles, and solo gigs.
Walter also had a sense of adventure. He loved traveling, flying his Cessna, and sailing. But most of all, he loved the connections and relationships he maintained with family, students, and friends over the years. He will be greatly missed by many.
No services are planned.
Donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association https://www.alz.org/
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