Doug Coker

Born Douglas Barnard Coker on August 17, 1953 at Spohn Hospital in Corpus Christi to Dan M. and Lorene Coker. He was a loving family man and cherished friend to many. Doug died unexpectedly on July 21, 2023, in Austin, TX.

Doug grew up in Corpus Christi and graduated from WB Ray HS in 1971. He moved to Austin in 1973 and soon began a career with the TWDB and GWDB, retiring a second time in 2017 after 39 years.

He met his wife Paula in 1978 and after 6 years decided she was the one. They have 2 daughters Calista and Linda Jeanne. In the last few years he was blessed with two grandsons - Fawkes and Baer.

Doug was known as a friendly, respectful and genuine man and in turn he had the respect of many people he met. He was someone with whom conversation flowed easily no matter the topic. When traveling for work across Texas, he often befriended the ranchers he would meet, putting them at ease while measuring their wells and taking water samples.

Generous with his time and energy he was always willing to help. He was a man you could count on. Doug was compassionate and was known to offer help even before you asked. He frequently looked in on friends and family members.

Doug enjoyed road trips with his family, visiting and camping at state and national parks. A fan of UT sports he was a long time season ticket holder for Longhorn football. Doug enjoyed riding his Harley as often as he could, frequently taking rides around the hill country. He rode with the local HOG group, friends and took many longer trips with his wife, even going as far as Alberta Canada.

Doug will be remembered as a genuine soul with a compassionate heart. He will be missed by all who knew him.

He is survived by his wife, daughters, grandsons, sister Linda, brother Don and wife Terri, many nieces & nephews, cousins and extended family.

A memorial service for Doug will be held Saturday, August 19, 2023 at 3:00 PM at Cook-Walden Funeral Home, 6100 North Lamar Boulevard, Austin, Texas 78752.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.cookwaldenfuneralhome.com for the Coker family.