Roland Coker

Roland Coker, age 89, of North Platte, NE, died Tuesday, March 13, 2018, at Great Plains Health.

Roland was born June 2, 1928, the only son of Mainard and Edith Coker in Sutherland, NE, where he grew up. Roland graduated from Sutherland High School then attended the University of Nebraska at Lincoln where he earned his BA degree.

Roland proudly served in the United States Air Force during the Korean Conflict and was stationed in England and at Offutt Air Force Base in Omaha. Following his discharge in 1954, Roland returned to Nebraska and went to work for the U.S. Postal Department in North Platte. He worked for the post office until retiring in 1988 as Director of Finance.

On May 6, 1956, Roland was united in marriage to Yolanda Davis in North Platte where they made their home. The couple had two sons, Daniel and Scott, and were married for 41 years when Yolanda died in 1995.

Roland was involved in the North Platte community and with various organizations. He served as Scout Master when the boys were younger and later belonged to the North Platte Woodcarvers and the Senior Center where he was on the Community Action Partnership Board of Directors. He was also a member of the First United Methodist Church and P.R. Halligan Post #163 American Legion.

Roland was an active member of Platte Valley Lodge #32 AF&AM where he served as Treasurer from 2007 until his death. He also belonged to the North Platte Shrine Club, Euphrates Chapter 15, Zabud Council 6, Palestine Commandery 13, North Platte York Rite and Tehama Shrine. Roland enjoyed participating in the various activities of the Masonic Temple and Shrine Club, whether it was a corn feed, parade or fundraiser, Roland was there to help. He was also a proud veteran who volunteered with the North Platte Veterans' Honor Guard. Roland liked visiting with people and always had a story or two to share.

He is survived by his sons, Daniel (Sheila) Coker, of Blair, NE, and Scott Coker, of North Platte; and other family.

Along with his wife, Yolanda, Roland was preceded in death by his parents, Mainard and Edith.

Cremation was chosen. Memorial Service will be 10 a.m. Friday, March 16, 2018, at the First United Methodist Church with Rev. Dr. Douglas A. Delp officiating. Inurnment with military honors and Masonic Rites will follow in Fort McPherson National Cemetery.

The memorial book may be signed at odeanchapel.com or prior to the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials are to the Senior Center or the church. Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore is in charge of arrangements.