John William Coker, 91, retired Paola businessman, died Friday, August 14, 1998, at Country Haven Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Paola.

Bill, as he was known, was born Nov. 6, 1906, in Miami County to Joseph Levi and Cora Vorus Coker. He grew up in the Green Valley area. He was a 1927 graduate of Osawatomie High School.

He was married to Ruth Lanphere on Nov. 23, 1927 in Osawatomie. The couple lived in the area all of their lives except for the nine years after their married when they moved to Burlington, Kan., and operated the Coker Variety Store.

They moved back to Miami County and opened the Coker's Store on the northwest corner of Paola's Square in 1934. The family moved to Paola in 1936. The Cokers retired in 1973 after more than 46 years of service. Mrs. Coker died Jan. 4, 1993.

In his spare time, Mr. Coker liked to garden and spend time with family and friends.

Mr. Coker was a longtime member of the United Methodist Church of Paola, He was active in community service and a member of the Paola Evening Lions Club. He was a former member of the Paola Chamber of Commerce. He was very supportive of youths in the past and was known to be quite popular with children.

Others preceding him in death were his parents, two brothers, two sisters and a daughter, Norma Hiskey.

Survivors include his son, Meryl Dean Coker of Garnett; three grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

Friends may call from 7 to 8 p.m. today (Monday) at the Wilson and Son Chapel in Paola, Services will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday at the church. The Rev. Doyle Carroll will be the officiant Karen Carroll will play the organ and Hazel Wilhoite and Eleanor Manly will be the soloists. The songs will be "How Great Thou Art" and "Beyond the Sunset".

Cremation will follow the services. Honorary pallbearers will be Charles Ayres, Jr., Bob Hay, Don Armstrong, Larry Ward, Pat Donovan, Bill Hinman and Harold Cartwright.

Memorials may be made to the church or the Paola Lions Club.