Mr. Robert Earl Coker, 91, a lifelong resident of Arab, Alabama, passed away Sunday, August 2, 2026, at Crestwood Medical Center. Born September 12, 1934, in Marshall County, Alabama, he was one of five children born to John Robert Coker and Amy Avis Lawler Coker. Robert Earl was an honorably discharged U.S. Army veteran who served during the Cuban Crisis. He and his wife, Gwennell Edmondson Coker, shared more than 72 years of marriage and built a loving, God-fearing home for their daughters. He worked as a computer specialist for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in Huntsville, Alabama.
Robert Earl served as choir director and deacon at Shoal Creek Baptist Church and held the honored distinction of being its oldest active member. He took great pride in his family and was a constant source of support, encouragement, and love. He also enjoyed spending time outdoors, especially fishing and gardening, with bush-hogging being his favorite pastime.
Robert Earl is survived by his wife, Gwennell Coker; daughters, June Ellen Coker Cagle and Sheila Dawn Coker Daniel; grandchildren, John David Cagle, Joe Cagle (Lauren), and Zac Daniel (Emily); great-grandchildren, Parker and John Cagle and Emmerson and Hollis Daniel; brother, Glenn Coker (Barbara); and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Avis Coker; brothers, Tolbert “Sam” Coker and Byron Coker; and sister, Jonnise Bucklew.
Services for Robert Earl will be held Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at Arab Heritage Memorial Chapel. Friends, family, and guests will gather for visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m., with the funeral service immediately following at 12:00 p.m. Serving as pallbearers and escorting Robert to his final resting place in Arab Memorial Cemetery will be J.D. Cagle, Joe Cagle, Zac Daniel, Harold McDonald, Ken Coker and John Clark. Arab Heritage Memorial Chapel is honored to assist the family with arrangements.
