Duane Coker

Although Duane Keith Coker, aka, "the Tennis Shoe Cowboy," had a less than average life span, born on February 4, 1952 in the wild deserts of Odessa, Texas; he did live a less than average life. On February 8, 2018, he lost his battle with previously undiagnosed leukemia. He was born to and preceded in death to a professional Nanny, Ruth Irene Dees and to Preacher Man Rev. James Edward Coker.

Even though Duane's early childhood was spent in the Arlington area, his family moved to Seguin as fast as they could. While growing up in Seguin, he met the love of his life, Sharon Faye Kates, aka, "Little Bit." After a bit of chasing her around, they married on July 25, 1970. They raised 2 children together. He raced, through flood waters, in his Martin potato chip truck, during the 1972 Flood, when Suzanne Rana' Coker, Schwarzlose aka, "SuSu,", made her grand entrance into this world. Then 9 months after a camping trip on Lake Travis…. Duane found himself speeding down a gravel road, with the UT Fight Song playing in the background, on the way to the hospital in Austin…and out came his bouncing baby boy, James Travis Coker. He taught both of his children to love camping, to be tough, to be survivors and to enjoy life with friends and family.

When Suzanne finally got around to giving him grandchildren, after she married, Dwayne Allen Schwarzlose, aka, "Dwayne - with hair," all four children came out like fireworks… Bang! Bang! & Double Bang! Duane loved being "PePaw"! He loved teaching his grandsons, Keith Allen Schwarzlose and Konnor James Schwarzlose, the fine art of BBQ, sharpening knives, and playing cards. Some of his fondest memories are from taking his grandsons to "Cook offs" and spending time together. Then two little granddaughters were born, and they melted his heart. He prayed hard whenever his, "7-11 Big Gulps," were born early, Maddison Rana' Schwarzlose and Mallori Kay Schwarzlose, aka, "his true M&M's." These two girls also gave him double vision and a blast from the past all at once because not only do they look just alike, they also look just like their mama did when she was a girl.

Duane has been reunited with his big brother Jimmy Ray Coker. He will be missed by his nieces, Donna Ray Coker and husband Kevin Jacobson, Brandi Lee Smith and husband Aaron, and nephew Phillip Duane Coper, as well as his 5 great nieces and nephews, 1 great, great grandniece and 1 great, great grandnephew.

Duane Coker was a good man with a bunch of friends who cared about him. His loss will be felt by all and toasted by many. We will all miss seeing that smiling face.

Visitation will be held at Cross Church (814 N Bauer St, Seguin, TX 78155), on Saturday, February 17, 2018 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. and the Funeral Service will follow at 3:00 p.m. Services will conclude at the church. There will be a reception at the church immediately following services at the church.

In lieu of flowers, if you would like to help the family with final expenses you may donate at https://www.gofundme.com/duane-coker-funeral-expenses.