A Real Good Man

 Grandpa Coke passed away on April 26.  He was a wonderful example to Mike on how to be a hard worker, a wonderful husband and a good man.  The one thing that everyone had to say about Grandpa was his wonderful smile could light up a room.  It definitely could.  Something that will always ring true to me is how much he loves his precious Wilma. 

 He was married to Wilma A. McCall July 13 1940 in Los Angeles, California. Merle was raised in Horton, Kansas and graduated from High School there. He moved to California 1939. Merle served in the Army in Europe during WWII. He moved from Hawthorne to Ojai in June 1948. He worked for Southern California Gas Company retiring after 36 years in 1984. Merle was Master at the Ojai Masonic lodge #663 and was a sergeant with the volunteer Ojai Security Patrol. Merle was a member of the American Legion and past president of Toastmasters. For many years Merle enjoyed camping, fishing and traveling in their motor home. He is survived by his wife of 71 years Wilma Coke, Son Merle Coke Jr. and wife Beverly Coke of Grove, OK, 14 grand Children, 45 great grandchildren and 8 great great- grandchildren. Merle and Wilma are longtime members of the Ojai United Methodist Church. He was preceded in death by His parents, 5 brothers, one sister and his sons Gary Lynn, Lawrence Alan and Dale Malcolm.

We are so thankful to know that we will see Grandpa again and that we were able to make the trip to California to celebrate his life with the rest of the family.