Melvin D. "Butch" Coley

Melvin Dwight “Butch” Coley, 80, of Central Oklahoma, passed away at his ranch home on September 30, 2023. Butch was born on November 1, 1942, in Oceanside, California to S.L. and Ollie Coley, and was raised in Strathmore, California. Butch was so proud to be raised in the Strathmore community and appreciative of his lifelong friendships with the citizens of Tulare County. Butch went to local schools and graduated from Strathmore High School in 1960. In 2016, Butch was inducted into the Strathmore High School Athletic Hall of Fame for his efforts in the football program. He met a pretty girl from Lindsay named Janice Eastin and married her on November 3, 1961. Together, they raised three sons, Robert, Kevin, and Jason. All three boys followed in their dad’s footsteps. Two of them are retired police officers and the other a current public-school teacher.

Butch graduated from Fresno State with a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminology and a master’s degree in education from Pepperdine University. Butch worked for the Exeter Police Department as a Patrolman from 1963-1964. In 1964, he was hired by Sheriff Sandy Robinson with the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office. He worked there for 10 years where he served as a resident deputy in Woodlake and the Detective Sergeant at the Porterville substation. At the time, he was the youngest promoted sergeant in Tulare County Sheriff’s history at the age of 24.

In 1974 Butch was hired and served as the Director of the Administration of Justice program at Porterville Jr. College. It was here he taught and mentored thousands of students. Many that led successful careers in law enforcement and other careers. Butch also served as a defensive line coach for the football team where his oldest son Robert played on the team. Butch was admired by many of the students and athletes and kept in contact with them over the years. Many of them admired him.

In 1991 Butch was elected as the Tulare County Sheriff-Coroner and served from 1991 to 1995. He led the department with professionalism and integrity, serving the citizens of Tulare County with pride. Butch finished his law enforcement career at the city of Fowler as the Chief of Police until his retirement.

Butch enjoyed spending time fishing, camping, traveling with his family, a good Sunday dinner and was a devoted follower of Christ. He was a member of the Church of Christ. Butch loved spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He loved meeting and talking to his close friends over the years, especially his coffee buddies and close friends from Strathmore and surrounding areas. Butch enjoyed watching college football games and talking about players and teams with his sons Robert and Jason. Most of all he loved spending time with his wife of 61 years. Loving her unconditionally every day.

Butch was preceded in death by his parents S.L. and Ollie Coley, his sisters Patsy Coley and Marcella Wallace. He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years Janice Coley, his three sons, Robert Coley (Alma), Kevin Coley, Jason Coley (Amie), 5 grandchildren Brooke, Dillon, Janice, Race and Brogan Butch and 3 great grandchildren Sadiee, Noah, and Sophia.

A graveside service is scheduled for October 9th, 2023, at 2:00PM at Memory Lane Cemetery located at 20451 NE 10th Street, Harrah, Oklahoma. As per Butch’s wishes the casket will be closed at all times.

Arrangements are under the care of Asa Smith Funeral Service of Harrah. Online condolences may be made at www.asasmith.net