Thomas Koker
July 6, 1939 - July 23, 2016

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – It is with the deepest sorrow we say goodbye to Tom Koker, the rock and cornerstone of his family.

He was a man greatly beloved and respected by his family, church and community.

A native Californian, Tom grew up as a young child in Lake County, attending schools in Kelseyville and Clearlake Highlands.

He later moved to Southern California where he served in the Coast Guard and eventually met and married the love of his life, Donna. Tom and Donna returned to Lake County to raise their family in the early 1960s.

As a highly skilled master tradesman, Tom worked and engineered thousands of projects throughout the county. He was extremely gifted and had a heart as big as the state he called his home.

Tom was happiest when he was working on a project for someone, or simply offering a helping hand. He retired with 17 years of service to the county of Lake as buildings and grounds supervisor.

This giant of a man put his heart into everything he did, no matter how difficult or challenging, large or small the task. He loved to create art; unique, one-of-a-kind art that spoke of his love and respect for nature and God.

As a Deacon of Community Baptist Church, he was forever remodeling something or playing his harmonica during a special service.

Tom Koker was a man who loved hard and sacrificed much for the people he loved. Yet in spite of his neverending projects, Tom was undeniably his most joyful at the side of his one true love, Donna. They’ve lived and loved life together for 55 years, did everything together, and were the very best of friends.

He leaves behind the love of his life, Donna Koker; three children, Curt Koker, Pam Staver and Terrie Sullivan (Greg); nine grandchildren, Seth Staver (Anna), Lauren Dwyer (Joe), Melody White (Conan), Tom Koker (Michelle), PJ Staver, Casey Sullivan (Chelsea), Amy Statham (Sayre), Valeree Sullivan and Shane Koker; also 11 great grandchildren. We will miss him forever.

A memorial service will be held at Community Baptist Church in Nice at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 16.

For further information please contact Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary at 707-263-0357 or 707-994-5611, or visit www.chapelofthelakes.com .