Catherine J. Coke

Catherine Josephine Coke, 73, of Altus, Oklahoma went to be with the Lord on Sunday, February 18, 2024. The family will greet friends from 6:00 – 8:00 PM on Friday, April 5, 2024, at Kincannon Funeral Home. A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Saturday, April 6, 2024, at First Baptist Church-Altus. Arrangements are under the care of Kincannon Funeral Home and Cremation Service.

Catherine was born on September 10, 1950, to Helen Joe (Shotwell) Codding and Donald Knight Codding, in Ponca City, Oklahoma. Catherine graduated from Shidler High School as valedictorian with the Class of 1968. Upon graduating high school, Catherine attended Oklahoma City University and earned a bachelor’s in music in 1972. Catherine went on to the University of Oklahoma of Law and obtained her Juris Doctorate in 1975. While attending OU Law, she met the love of her life (other than Elvis Presley), Markus Troy “Mark” Coke, Jr., and married him at her family home in Foraker, Oklahoma on May 25, 1974. Upon graduation from law school, the young couple moved to Altus, where they raised two children, Troy and Barbara. Catherine served as the City Attorney for many years. During her legal career and continuing into retirement, Catherine was a member of P.E.O. Chapter GQ, MacDowell Club of Allied Arts, a group of musicians in Altus and surrounding communities, and president of the Oklahoma Federation of Music Clubs. Catherine was a gifted piano player and talented singer. She loved making and sharing music with others. Catherine was the choir director at First Presbyterian Church of Altus for over 30 years and often sang during services, blessing the people of the church with her wonderful voice.

Catherine was preceded in death by her parents; and brother-in-law, Larry Coke. Her memory lives on in those she is survived by, her son, Troy Coke and wife, Michelle; her daughter, Barbara Reid and husband, John; grandchildren, Jake Coke, Jackson Reid and Amelia Coke; brother, Julian K. Codding; sister, Dr. Christine Codding; sister-in-law, Donna Coke; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.  

Online tributes may be made at www.kincannonfuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to First Presbyterian Church of Altus, 208 E. Cypress Street, Altus, OK 73521, (580) 482-3936 or to Oklahoma Federation of Music Clubs, P.O. Box 3991, Bartlesville, Oklahoma 74006, ofmcboard@gmail.com.