MELVIN LYLE COKENOUR, age 83, longtime resident of Sikeston, died Friday, January 1, 2021, at the Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston.

He was born December 2, 1937, at New Madrid, MO, to the late Carl Cokenour and Lou Vesta Teet Cokenour.   A graduate of Sikeston High School, he went on to work in sales and as a business owner.   A longtime member of the Hunter Memorial Presbyterian Church, he served the church in many capacities but mostly through his ministry in song as a choir member and soloist.   He and his wife, Lois, were quite a team when it came to participating in and supporting community events.   He was a 32 ^nd degree Mason and served the Masonic Lodge as Worshipful Master, assisted in Eastern Star gatherings sometimes as Worthy Patron, and was a member of the Blue Lodge.  He was a member and past president of the SEMO Shrine Club where he was known as "Happy" the clown, was a member of the Sikeston Elks Lodge and had served as District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler, and was a member of Sikeston Jaycees.  He assisted in little league sports as a coach and was a member of and participant in the Sikeston Little Theatre.

Mel was an avid bowler, a collector of Archie comics, a St. Louis Cardinals Fan and loved classic cars.

Affectionately known as "Coke", Mel enjoyed people and loved his many friends as he traveled through the years in his sales business.  He always had a kind word and a smile.  If you knew "Coke", you knew he lived an exemplary life for his family and will be remembered for his "happy" persona.

In September 1963, he married Lois Faye Hazel, who preceded him in death on March 16, 2017.

Surviving are his daughter, Debbie Cokenour of Atlanta, GA; his son, Mike (Renee) Cokenour of Perryville; his grandchildren, Mitchell and Taylor and great granddaughter, Aubri.

Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. until the funeral hour of 1:00 p.m., Thursday, January 7, 2021, at the McMikle Funeral Home in Sikeston.  Rev. Tom Bass will officiate with Masonic rites offered by the Sikeston Masonic Lodge.

Interment will follow in the Garden of Memories Cemetery under the direction of the McMikle Funeral Home of Sikeston.

Online condolences may be shared at www.mcmiklefuneralhome.com .