Thomas Taylor Coker, 27, Kansas City, Kansas, formerly of Mound City, Missouri, passed away Tuesday, November 12, 2024. Taylor was born January 5, 1997, in Winter Haven, Florida to James and Lisa (Kerns) Coker.
Taylor, his mom, and brother Michael moved to Mound City in June 2005. He graduated as valedictorian of the Mound City High School Class of 2015. He then attended and graduated from Northwest Missouri State University in December 2018, earning a Bachelor’s in Finance. Taylor joined Edward Jones in 2018, obtaining the position of financial advisor, where he was a trusted and thoughtful leader, whose notable spirit of caring and compassion for all clients and colleagues was matched only by his love for family and community.
Taylor married his high school sweetheart, Emily Ann Wedlock, June 8, 2024. Their union transcended many years of friendship and love. From childhood friends to lifelong partners, Taylor and Emily shared a bond that grew from playful laughter and shared memories, into a love that lasted a lifetime, proving that some connections are meant to endure through stages of life. Throughout their life together, Taylor lovingly called his wife “Meeley”, a nickname that brought a smile to her face every day, reminding us all of the deep affection and humor they shared in the years of their relationship.
While in Mound City, he devoted his extra free time to ensuring the care and needs of his Grandma J were met. He also developed his passions and hobbies, including all things waterfowl, fishing, and spending time with buddies. Those buddies, near and far, will all miss him dearly.
Taylor was preceded in death by his father, James Coker, maternal grandfather, James Kerns and paternal grandmother Barbara Ann Bennett. He will be missed dearly by all of his family, friends and community. Taylor is survived by his loving wife, Emily; his mother, Lisa Coker (Chris Waegle); maternal grandmother, JoAnne Kerns; brother, Michael Whitman (Sarah); nieces Tiffany, Harper and Emma of Savannah, Georgia; He is also survived by his in-laws Scott and Karen Wedlock, and Hannah Wedlock (Seth Thomas), Trey, Jade, and baby girl; stepbrothers James Coker and Jimmy Matthew Coker; aunts and uncles Debbie (Richard) Hollie, Cindy (Pete) Contreras, Jay Kerns, Teri (Charlie) Kerns, Pam (Gene) Ramsey, Bill (Mary Ann) Kerns, Leroy (Regina) Coker, Kelly McCary; grandparents-in-law Gary and Beverly Jannin, Matt and Rebecca Thomas and children, Lillian, Peyton, and Lauren; and numerous cousins.
Farewell Services 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, River of Hope Fellowship, Forest City, Missouri. Interment Mount Hope Cemetery. The family will receive friends 9:00 to 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, River of Hope Fellowship, Forest City, Missouri. Memorials may be directed to Waterfowlers’ Hall of Fame, 3955 S Riverside Terrace, St. Joseph, MO 64507. Services under the direction of Pettijohn & Crawford Funeral Service, Mound City, Missouri, and Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory, St. Joseph.
