A standing-room only crowd gathered Monday afternoon at the Ouachita Parish School Board Commons to celebrate Superintendent Dr. Don Coker as he prepares to retire at the end of the month.
Coker spent the past 8 years as the Superintendent of the Ouachita Parish School System, totaling his years in education to 43.
Former teachers, students, co-workers and family members -- some of whom braved the afternoon rain shower and came drenched -- showed up to celebrate Coker and his achievements. However, when it came time for an open invitation to speak, most of the messages about Coker spoke more about the person he is, rather than the title he held.
"I got to observe a lot of things," said his oldest son Matt Coker. "But one thing I do remember was it didn't matter if you were the custodian, a teacher, a parent, a child ... he always treated everyone the same. He loved everybody the same.
"Everybody was on the same playing field. Everybody had the same respect. That wasn't just at the school, or the school board ... that was in every aspect of his life. It wasn't just his words, but his actions."
Coker started his career in education at Holly Ridge High School in Richland Parish. One of his first students, Jerry Mayhall, now works in education at the Monroe City School Board Office and came to the reception on Monday to speak about Coker's impact in his life.
"Coming out of college into a little town -- not even a little town, but a little spot in the road, that had a little high school -- he had a lot of bright ideas," Mayhall said. "This man right here, even after all these years, he was such an inspiration to so many people. I do believe the steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and for me, it started with an education in Holly Ridge, Louisiana."
Many that spoke also pointed out Coker's wife of 42 years, Pat, who has been by his side throughout his stops, which include Holly Ridge, Calhoun High School, West Ouachita and Calhoun Middle.
Together, they have 3 children and 6 grandchildren. Coker recognized and called each family member by name to thank them for their love and support.
"When you are in a public position and a public servant, sometimes the public gets more of you than the family gets of you," Coker said. "I am so blessed to have a supportive family."
Coker went on to acknowledge his church family, school families from his previous stops, and his Ouachita Parish School Board family.
"You get to laugh with them and cry with them and keep up with kids and grandkids, and the marriages, and yes, the deaths," Coker said. "That's all part of what a family does and so for my work family who has been with me all these years, even the new ones coming in, thank you for what you do for the kids in the Ouachita Parish School System."
Coker officially retires on July 3. Current assistant superintendent Todd Guice will step into his new role at that time.
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