H.R. No. 1645



R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, Memories of a life filled with joyful times, loving 
moments, and meaningful accomplishments may comfort the family and 
friends of Paris native and longtime educator Jack C. Coker, who 
passed away on April 27, 2005, at the age of 80; and
	WHEREAS, Born on October 20, 1924, in Paris, Mr. Coker 
graduated from Paris High School and enlisted in the United States 
Marine Corps in 1942; he served with distinction as a corporal 
stationed in the South Pacific during World War II and was 
discharged in January 1946; on April 7, 1946, he married the love of 
his life, Bonnie Ruth Majors; and
	WHEREAS, Mr. Coker attended Paris Junior College, where he 
played football for the Dragons; he ultimately earned both 
bachelor's and master's degrees from East Texas State University 
and joined the Paris school system in 1948, first as a coach and a 
teacher, then principal, and, in 1979, as the Paris ISD's assistant 
superintendent of business and finance, the position from which he 
retired in 1983; during his career, he served as principal of J. G. 
Wooten Elementary School, opened the new Travis Junior High School 
as principal in 1963, and served as principal at the new Paris High 
School; and
	WHEREAS, In addition to his professional achievements, Mr. 
Coker played a significant role in his community as a longtime 
member of the Paris Optimist Club and life member of Optimist Clubs 
International; he was president of the Boys' Club board of 
directors and is recognized on the Boys' Club Wall of Honor; he also 
gave his time and energy to the United Way, the Paris Chamber of 
Commerce, the Paris Education Foundation, the American Heart 
Association, which he served as treasurer, and the Paris Junior 
College Ex-Students' Association, of which he was president; and
	WHEREAS, Mr. Coker received numerous recognitions for his 
professional and civic contributions; in 2001, he shared a most 
prestigious accolade with his wife, Bonnie, when the Paris 
Education Foundation honored the couple with its Lifetime 
Achievement Award and endowed scholarships in their names; and
	WHEREAS, A congregant of Lamar Avenue Church of Christ, where 
he was a member of the same couples Sunday school class for 53 
years, Jake Coker was a devoted husband, beloved father, and 
cherished friend; he positively influenced the lives of countless 
children as an educator, and his memory will live on in the hearts 
of all who knew and loved him; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 79th Texas 
Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of Jack C. "Jake" Coker 
and extend sincere sympathy to the members of his family:  to his 
wife, Bonnie; to his daughters, Vicki Coker Banister and Lucy Coker 
McDonald Crumb and her husband, Chris; to his grandchildren, 
Michael and Jason McDonald, Moriah Crumb, and Shandi, Phillip, and 
Jack Coker Banister; to his great-grandchildren, Trevor Banister 
and Samara Jones; to his brother, Carl Mac Coker; to his 
sisters-in-law, Dorothy Coker, Annette Cutshall, and Lou Moreland; 
and to his other relatives and many friends; and, be it further
	RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 
prepared for his family and that when the Texas House of 
Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Jack C. 
"Jake" Coker.

                                                                           Homer


                                                  ______________________________
                                                       Speaker of the House     

	I certify that H.R. No. 1645 was unanimously adopted by a 
rising vote of the House on May 20, 2005.

                                                  ______________________________
                                                     Chief Clerk of the House