Erma Coble

(From Parker Mortuary)

Erma Vivian (Haner) Coble passed away peacefully on May 28, 2025, at the Solace House of the Ozarks in Joplin, MO, following a sudden fight with aggressive cancer. She was 63 years young.

Erma was born on November 21, 1961, in Bartlesville, OK, to Emma Lee (Fencer) Haner and James Richard “Jim” Haner. She was the youngest of three children, her older brothers being Leonard James “Jimmy” Haner and Kenneth Ray “Kenny” Haner. Her early years were spent in Oronogo, MO, where she spent countless hours making long-lasting friendships and memories. She graduated from Webb City High School in 1980. That same year, she married Jeffrey Wayne Coble of Miami, OK, with whom she had two children, Tyler James Coble and Tristan LeeAnn (Coble) McNeill.

In 1993, Erma and her children returned to Webb City and the Joplin area, where she reestablished her presence in the community. She quickly became what seemed like everyone’s banker. She worked in the banking industry for 40 years, and though she loved it, she was eagerly looking forward to retirement at the end.

Throughout her life, Erma wore many hats. She was a mother to many beyond her own children. She was a sister to her closest friends. She was a leader, a mentor, a friend, and a confidant. But by far her favorite hat to wear she received on December 30, 2015, when her grandson Calvin James Freeman was born, making her a proud and loving “Erm-ma.”

Erma enjoyed many things in life. She liked to fish and reveled in all things “lake life.” She had a passion for mowing her own lawn. She threw a bowling ball like a pro. She had (an arguably extreme) interest in crime documentaries and docudramas. She took pleasure in planning events and hosting holiday parties. She was an active member of the Joplin Elks Lodge, and she participated in many local and state-level events with them over the years. She loved to laugh, and she had a biting wit that made others laugh, too (or set them straight, if needed). But most of all, she enjoyed doing or attending anything that gave her time to spend with friends and family.

Erma is preceded in death by her parents, Emma and Jim; her oldest brother, Jimmy; and her two dogs, Shelby “Monkey” Louise and Brian Bear. 

She is survived by her son, Tyler, of Norman, OK; her daughter, Tristan (husband Derek), grandson, Calvin, and granddaughter, Austyn, of Webb City, MO; her brother, Kenny (wife Sue), of Tucson, AZ; several loving nieces and nephews; and a community of friends and extended family she always held in her heart. She loved many, she was loved by many, and she will be fondly missed.

A Celebration of Life is planned for Saturday, May 31, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. at Parker Mortuary Chapel in Joplin, MO. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Solace House in care of the mortuary.

Arrangements are under the direct care of Parker Mortuary, Joplin, MO.