Frank Claud "Tex" Coker (March 18, 1911 – September 11, 1991) was an American football center. He played four seasons for the

Wilmington Clippers The Wilmington Clippers were a professional American football team that played from 1937 to 1942, and from 1946 to 1949. They were based in the American Association from 1939 to 1941, later returning for the 1946 to 1949 seasons. They were locat ...

of the

American Association American Association may refer to: Baseball * American Association (1882–1891), a major league active from 1882 to 1891 * American Association (1902–1997), a minor league active from 1902 to 1962 and 1969 to 1997 * American Association of Profe ...

(AA).

Early life and education

Frank Coker was born on March 18, 1911, in San Angelo, Texas. He played college football at

Daniel Baker College Daniel Baker College was founded April 5, 1889 in Brownwood, Texas, United States. It was named in memory of the Rev. Dr. Daniel Baker, a Presbyterian circuit-riding minister, who helped organize the first presbytery in Texas in 1840 and Austin ...

. He was there from 1933 to 1936 before playing professionally.

Professional career

Coker was first signed as an undrafted free agent by the Philadelphia Eagles following the

1937 NFL Draft The 1937 National Football League Draft was the second draft held by the National Football League (NFL). The draft took place December 12, 1936, at the Hotel Lincoln in New York City. The draft consisted of 10 rounds, with 100 player selections, ...

. He did not make the roster and was then sent to their new farm team, the

. In his first season with the Clippers, he played and started all 11 games at the center position. He also started every game in 1938 as well. He changed his number from 33 to 44 in 1939 as the Clippers joined the

. He played in 13 games in '39, starting 10, and was named All-AA. He started 9 games in 1940 before being called to the Texas National Guard and later the United States Army in World War II. He was the first Clipper called to service.

Military career

In 1941, he was called to the United States Army in World War II. He was seriously injured after the Invasion of Italy and was then awarded the Purple Heart and two Oak leaf clusters. He achieved the rank of

Major Major (commandant in certain jurisdictions) is a military rank of commissioned officer status, with corresponding ranks existing in many military forces throughout the world. When used unhyphenated and in conjunction with no other indicators ...

in 1945.

Death

Coker died on September 11, 1991, at the age of 80 in Texas. He was buried at Paint Rock Cemetery.

References

External links

* {{DEFAULTSORT:Coker, Frank 1911 births 1991 deaths American football centers Players of American football from Texas Daniel Baker Hillbillies football players Texas National Guard personnel United States Army personnel of World War II United States Army officers Wilmington Clippers players