Darrell Wayne Coker

Darrell Wayne Coker Darrell Wayne Coker was born on July 22, 1964, in Texarkana. He was raised in Fouke before moving to Ashdown in 1974. Ashdown became his home, and he faithfully served the community for more than five decades. He graduated from Ashdown High School in 1982. Darrell lived a life defined by faith, family, hard work, service, and a genuine love for people. For 33 years, Darrell worked with Farm Bureau, where he built countless relationships throughout Little River County and beyond. He also sold real estate with Smith & Mounts for more than 40 years. To Darrell, his work was never simply about business; it was about people, relationships, and helping others. His commitment to Ashdown and Little River County was evident in the many organizations and causes to which he devoted his time. He served as president of the Ashdown Rotary Club and the Ashdown Chamber of Commerce, and he served on the Ashdown Scholarship Committee, the Housing Authority Board, and the Texarkana Regional Initiative Board. In 2015, he served as chairman of Intermodal. Darrell was also a member of the Community Auction team for more than 10 years and had been involved since its beginning. In 2012, he was honored with the Steve Pearce Award in recognition of his service and dedication to the community. For eight years, Darrell was a familiar voice to Ashdown Panther football fans on the radio. He first called Panther football for KDQN 92.1 and later for 102.1 The Good Path. He loved the Panthers and cherished being part of the community that supported them. Darrell’s service extended deeply into his church, where he devoted his time to ministries including the food pantry and shoe ministry. Serving others was not something he did for recognition; it was simply part of who he was and how he lived out his faith. Of all the titles Darrell held and accomplishments he achieved, none meant more to him than being a follower of Jesus Christ. He considered his greatest accomplishment to be loving the Lord. He was a proud and faithful servant who was always happy to work for the Father. His faith was not merely something he spoke about; it was the foundation of his life. Darrell was especially proud of the family God had blessed him with. He was honored to be a husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Nancy Coker; his son, Brian Welch and wife, Rachele; children Henry and Haddie Welch. His daughter, Lauren and husband, Billy Abney; children Carson and Laynie Horn, Zane and Ava Abney. He is also survived by his sister, Marilyn Sue “Susie” and husband, Tim Brown; his nephews, Doyal Ray Ward and wife, Reala Jo, and Dillon Ward and wife, Erin; and their children, Moxie, Ensley, Patton, and Witt. Darrell was preceded in death by his parents, Wiliam Marion Coker and Mary LaVerne (Bonner) Coker. Darrell spent his life working, serving, helping, encouraging, and loving the people around him. His fingerprints can be found throughout the community he called home, but the legacy he treasured most will always be the faith he lived and the family he loved. Darrell knew where his future rested. He loved the Lord, trusted in His promises, and was at peace knowing that when his work here was finished, he would be going home to the Father he had so faithfully served. Visitation will be Monday, September 14, at 1:00 p.m. at First United Methodist Church in Ashdown. The service will follow immediately afterward at 2:00 p.m. A life of service. A life of faith. A life surrounded by family. A life very well lived.

Darrell Wayne Coker

July 22, 1964 - September 11, 2026