Mark Patrick Coker

Mark Coker, 43, Topeka, passed away on Sunday, June 3, 2012 at Stormont Vail Regional Health Center from a severe head injury. He gave the gift of life through organ and tissue donation. Mark was born May 31, 1969 in Topeka, the third child of Walt and Pat (Mercier) Coker. He graduated in 1987 from Shawnee Heights High School and also graduated from then Kaw Area Technical School. Mark had been employed since 1989 by Shawnee Heights School District #450. He previously worked at Hypermart and Little Engine Doctor. In 1991 Mark was the top rookie in the state bus driver roadeo competition. He competed at the international level three times ? in 1993, 2001 and 2003 ? winning the competition in 2003. Mark was an avid KU fan, loved riding his Harley Davidson Motorcycle and attending tractor shows with his dad and brother. Mark married Kim Howbert. They later divorced. Survivors include his parents of Topeka; brother Greg Coker, Overbrook; sister Paula (David) Auten, Tecumseh; nephew Brent Coker, Topeka; nieces Paige and Bailey Auten, Tecumseh; many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends and his beloved black lab puppy Colt. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents Walter and Anna Coker, Ness City, and his maternal grandparents Pat and Juanita Mercier of Valley Falls. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, June 7, 2012 at St. Matthew Catholic Church. Interment will follow at St. Mary?s Cemetery in Valley Falls, Kansas. Mark will lie in state at the Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home on Wednesday after 2:00 p.m. where a Parish Vigil Service will be at 6:00 p.m. The family will receive friends following the vigil service until 8:00 p.m. Memorials may be made in Marks? memory to St. Matthew Catholic Church or to Shawnee Heights High School to be designated at a later date and sent in care of Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Ave., Topeka, Kansas 66603. Please wear casual clothing to the visitation and service.