Lt. Col. Jeffrey W. Coke

Lt. Col. Jeffrey W. Coke, 74, of Bethlehem died on Monday, November 15, 2010 at L.V. Hospital-Muhlenberg.

He was born February 28, 1936 in Owosso, MI; the son of the late Gilbert George and Charlotte Webb Coke.

Lt. Col. Coke earned his B.S. degree from Michigan State University and later earned M.S. degrees from American University, Boston University and the U.S. Army War College.

He dedicated his life to his country and his family. Lt Col. Coke proudly served his country in the U.S. Army, serving two tours of duty in the Vietnam War and serving overseas at the NATO Headquarters. He was the recipient of the Bronze Star Medal in addition to several meritorious and commendation medals. He retired as a Lieutenant Colonel from the U.S. Army in 1979.

After retiring from the Army, Lt. Col. Coke worked at AT&T until his retirement.

Lt. Col. Coke enjoyed time with his family and helping others as a volunteer with AARP teaching and doing tax work for other seniors.

He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 41 years, Joanne M. Halleman Coke. He was a loving father to son, Jeffrey W. Coke II and his wife Ki'i; a loving father to his daughter Courtney Coke Greene and her husband Edmund; and a devoted and loving grandfather to granddaughters, Quinlyn and Ellery Coke.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend calling hours on Saturday, November 20, 2010 from 11 AM to 1 PM at Connell Funeral Home, 245 E. Broad St. Bethlehem with a ceremony to celebrate Lt. Col. Coke's life to immediately follow.

A private burial with military honors will be held at Arlington National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to American Heart Assoc. 212 East Broad Street Bethlehem, PA 18018; American Cancer Society 3893 Adler Place, Bethlehem, PA 18017 and/or Veterans of Foreign Wars Foundation 406 W. 34th St., Kansas City, MO 64111.

Condolences may be made online at www.connellfuneral.com