Benjamin Coker

A public memorial service celebrating and honoring Benny's life will be held at Cree Meadows Restaurant and Lounge, 301 Country Club Drive in Ruidoso, NM on Saturday, March 14, 2009 from 4:00 PM until 6:00 PM. Casual attire is suitable.
Longtime Lincoln County resident Benny Coker, 81, passed away peacefully of heart failure in Alto, NM on January 19, 2009. He had spent much of his life in nearby Capitan, NM having owned and operated the Rusty Anchor Bar and having been a person involved in politics and civic minded activities. Benny was proud to have been a strong democrat and to have fought for people's rights. He was considered one of the most knowledgeable water people in the state. He had a fulfilled life that included successful business and political careers and was made up of wonderful family members, friends, and pets.

Benny was born in Carter, OK on October 4, 1927 to Jess and Sarah Coker. He grew up in Tishomingo, OK where he graduated high school as a celebrated athlete. He served in the Korean War from 1950 until 1952. After returning home from the service, he joined Shell Oil Company in Hobbs, NM and worked for the company in various locations for about 15 years. In the early 70's he moved to Capitan, NM where he opened his first bar. He continued to call Capitan home until 2005. He then moved to Alto, NM and worked part-time in Ruidoso. Benny was an avid sports fan over the years.

He played golf, hunted, bowled, and loved spectator sports as well. He had been a race horse owner for much of his life and was successful in the business. Reading was also one of his passions as was acting as a liason to put people together in order to make good things happen.

Benny Coker is survived by his sister Lillie Hoedebeck of San Diego, CA, his brother Hulen Coker of El Cajon, CA, his roommate and closest friend of 22 years, Craig Eikleberry of Alto, NM and many beloved nephews, nieces, cousins, and in-laws. He had thousands of friends who he treasured and whose lives he enriched. He was preceded in death by his parents Jess and Sarah Coker, his brother Jesse Buddy Coker all of Tishomingo, OK and his brother Cecil Coker of Lovington, NM. Benny was cremated and a memorial service will be scheduled for late winter to early spring.

Benny was a gentleman, a compassionate man, and a very giving person. Suggested charities to donate to are the American Heart Association and the National Humane Society.

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