Roy O. Coker

Roy O. Coker, age 78, of Galena, IL, completed his earthly journey suddenly on December 28, 2024, at home with his loving wife by his side.  To honor Roy’s life, a private family Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Roy’s family.

Roy was born on December 26, 1946, in Claremore, OK, a son to Dempsey and Marie (Lockhart) Coker.  He eventually married his childhood friend and sweetheart, Joy Luton, in 1976, and the two have been inseparable ever since.  After spending much of their life on the high plains out west, Roy and Joy decided to make the move to Galena to spend the remainder of their years right on the edge of the Mississippi River enjoying all that God’s splendor had to offer while raising a family of their own.  Roy worked with the Gilpatrick Road Construction Company and at the Gas Hills Uranium Mine in Wyoming for many years, but spent the final years of his working career as an over-the-road truck driver for J.B. Hunt Transportation Services. 

Roy always took great pride in his work, but also understood that a truly satisfying life required balance, so time to relax and enjoy quality time with his family was a continual priority in his life.  In his free-time, Roy could easily be found working on his next Nintendo challenge and often working the buttons on his tablet as fast as his fingers could go when time allowed.  Roy loved his family and his life very much and felt truly blessed to be able to live the good life just as he had wished and worked for.  We will miss Roy with all of our hearts and carry his legacy forward securely in our hearts and minds until we all meet again.  Thank you, Roy, for never neglecting your role as husband, father, and grandfather so diligently and may peace be yours today was you begin your eternal journey while we wait patiently to see your courageous smile once again.

Those left behind to cherish the memory of  Roy include,

his loving bride of 49 years,

Joy Coker, Galena, IL;

his two sons,

Darrell (Betty) Coker, Hazel Green, WI,

and Rob Coker, MI;

his five grandchildren,

Annie (Ryan) Pregler, Charles Murphy, Hunter (Cat) Coker, Lance Coker, and Daigon Coker;

his three great-grandchildren,

Kyra Jo Pregler, Mayson Pregler, and Jonah Pregler;

his sisters-in-law,

Lerona Coker and Peggy Coker;

along with numerous extended family, friends, and neighbors.

Roy was preceded in death by his parents; and his siblings, Dave Coker, Lester Coker, Garland Coker, and Verda White.

In lieu of flowers, a Roy O. Coker memorial fund has been established.

Roy’s family would like to thank everyone at the Galena Police, Fire, and EMS Departments for all of their professional and compassionate care during this difficult time.

Online condolences may be shared with Roy’s family at www.tristatecremationcenter.com