Paul Coker Jr. is an American illustrator and character designer who has worked in many media, including Mad, Rankin-Bass TV specials and commercials.

Paul Coker’s Biography

Paul Coker was born on March 5, 1929, in Lawrence, Kansas, U.S. Coker studied painting at the University of Kansas, eventually joining Hallmark in the 1950s as a greeting card designer. After graduating with a degree in painting, Coker got a job designing greeting cards for Hallmark. In 1961, he became a member of the “Idiots Gang”, who illustrated for “Crazy” magazine.

RIP Mad Magazine artist / animation designer Paul Coker Jr. pic.twitter.com/PdT3SpRe56

— Toon Hall of Fame (@ToonHallofFame) July 29, 2022

Paul Coker’s Career

Coker has worked as a character designer or production designer on the iconic Rankin/Bass Production stop-motion animation, and he has also worked on animated festival specials including Frosty the Snowman, Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town, Rudolph’s Shiny New Year, The Easter Bunny Is coming to town, Jack Frost and Pinocchio’s Christmas.

His first painting with Mad arrived in 1961, and he represented the iconic humour magazine, including film and TV parodies of the project and over 375 articles.

He also directed the creation of characters such as Kris Kringle (Mickey Rooney), Burgermeister Meisterburger (Paul Frees), Snow Miser (Dick Shawn) and Heat Miser (George S. Irving), for which we must thank him’s hard work.

Paul Coker’s Death Cause

Paul Coker lived to be 93 years old before his death. He died on July 23, 2022, at his home in Santa Fe, New Mexico, according to information provided by his stepdaughter, Lee Smithson Bird, Bird confirmed Friday. She said he died at his residence that day.

Many of his fans took to social media to share their grief, mentioning Paul Coker Jr. as one of their all-time favourite character designers. He had a huge impact on the childhood of a generation. We lost a legend. May He rest in peace.

Paul Coker’s Obituary

Paul Coker passed away not long ago, on the 23rd of this month, so his family has yet to set a date, time and place for his funeral, obituary, burial, etc.

Paul Coker’s Wife/Family

His wife’s name is Rosemary Smithson. Not much is known about her. Although he was never the father of his children, Lee Smithson Bird and Carroll Bird are his stepdaughters.

Read More: Raymond Briggs Wife, Age, Net Worth, Death Cause, Career

Paul Coker’s Net Worth

Coker is worth 5 million as of 2022. His income comes mainly from his art.

FAQs

• Who was Paul Coker?
  He is an American illustrator and character designer.
• When was Paul Coker born?
  Paul Coker was born on March 5, 1929, in Lawrence, Kansas, U.S.
• What was Paul Coker’s Net Worth?
  Coker is worth 5 million as of 2022.
• When was Paul Coker Died?
  He died on July 23, 2022 at 93 at his home in Santa Fe, New Mexico.