Bob Wade Coker

Bob Wade Coker, 74, of Hereford, died Tuesday, June 18, 2024. 

Memorial services will be at 2:00 PM, Saturday, July 20, 2024, in Boxwell Brothers Ivy Chapel. Arrangements are by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors, 2800 Paramount Blvd. 

Bob Wade Coker was born December 17, 1949, in Hereford, Texas, to Gerald "Bob" Dean and Betty Jean (Turner) Coker. He was raised in Friona, Texas, where his family farmed until moving to Dallas in 1967 where he graduated from Lake Highlands High School. From there he went on to study business at the University of North Texas. He left college to move to Hereford with his family in 1970. There he started working as a banker at First National Bank Hereford. After a short time in that career, he was introduced to the field of dentistry as a dental technician by his uncle, Bill Turner. Wade was a quick study and opened his own dental lab in Hereford soon after earning his certification. He eventually settled in Amarillo where he operated his lab for many years. Wade continued a successful career as a dental technician until he retired.

In 1970 Wade met Renée Hysinger and her adorable son, Nathan. He quickly fell in love with both of them, and they were married in 1971. Soon after they wed, Wade adopted Nathan. In 1972 they had another son, Dustin. Three years later they added a sister, Chesna, in 1975. It was in 1980 that their family was made complete with the arrival of another sister, Amanda.

Wade was very gifted in both music and art. At a young age he won an art contest, and his winning piece can be seen at the amphitheater in Palo Duro Canyon to this day. His true love was music. Wade was a talented singer, songwriter and musician. He won a local contest held by a radio station for Best Original Song, and his song was played on the radio. Later on, he and a partner started a record label, West Texas America. Over the years he enjoyed playing and singing for several bands.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Gerald “Bob” Coker and Betty Jean Coker, and his older brother, Jerry Coker.

He is survived in death by his four children: Nathan Coker of Amarillo, Texas, Dustin Coker (and his wife Nova Coker) of Raleigh, North Carolina, Chesna Ellis (and her husband Kendall Ellis) of Carrollton, Texas, Amanda Haney (and her husband Luke Haney) of Amarillo, Texas; twelve grandchildren: Jackson Coker, Sadie Ellis, Nick Coker, Charles Crinella, Seth Ellis, Owen Ellis, Henry Crinella, Oliver Crinella, Molly Ellis, Zoey Coker, John Bryant, Scarlet Coker; his brother Phil Coker (and wife Karol Coker); sister Lora Hanson (and husband Mark Hanson), and sister-in-law DeeDee Coker (widow of Jerry Coker), along with many nieces, nephews and a gaggle of cousins.

Wade Coker was admired for his beauty, his talent and his tenderness with babies and puppies. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be given to the SPCA to honor his deep love for all animals.

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