Barry Coker Obituary

Retired First Sergeant Barry G. Coker, 50, died Friday July 17, 2015 while serving his country. Born in Virginia he was survived by his wife of 30 years; Linda D. Coker; his mother-in-law, Eleanor Selman; his mother, Margie DeAtley; his 3 brothers, Troy Coker, Kevin Coker, and Mark Coker.

He earned his Master's Degree of Business Administration with a concentration in Logistics and Supply Chain Management from the Colorado Technical University; Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration and Management from Columbia University.

He earned the U.S. Army Sustainment Command Highly Productive Achievement

Award; The Army Demonstrated Master Logistician (DML); and a host of Military training and certifications.

First Sergeant Barry G. Coker served in the United States Army; 1983 - 2004. Just one out of many heroic deeds - he volunteered to deploy with the 101st Airborne Division during Operation Desert Storm.

His distinguished military career had him serve throughout the United States and multiple overseas assignments including tours in Bosnia and Saudi Arabia, as well as, Iraq and Kuwait when he served in Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm/Enduring Freedom/Iraqi Freedom. Almost half of his military career he served as a First Sergeant for several commands.

His stellar military career culminated at Fort Carson Colorado where he served as a First Sergeant in the 3d Armored Cavalry Regiment (ACR).

At the time of his death Mr. Coker was a Department of the Army Civilian assigned to 4th Infantry Division's 1st "Raider" Brigade Logistics Support Team (BLST), Army Field Support Battalion, Fort Carson CO.

As a Department of the Army Civilian, Mr. Coker's commitment to the soldiers and to his country never waned as he deployed multiple times to the Middle East while supporting the Second Brigade 4th Infantry Division.

Mr. Coker made a lasting impression on everyone he met and that his infectious charm was only surpassed by the size of his heart. His energy, his kindness and zest for life are what his friends and family will remember most.

Retired First Sergeant Barry G. Coker is truly a highly decorated veteran of the U.S. Army and one of the finest Non Commissioned Officers to have served his Country. He believed in God, Country, Family; and above all a man of Duty, Honor, Loyalty. He will truly be missed by so many.

He deserves the U.S. Army cry, "HOAH!"



SERVICES

A Memorial Service will be held to reflect on the life of Retired First Sergeant Barry G. Coker at the Soldiers Memorial Chapel, Building 1500, 6333 Martinez Street on Fort Carson at Two O'clock on August 13th 2015.