Roll of Honor
Incident
Police Officer Barton Coker was shot and killed after he and his partner stopped a 21-year-old man and his 18-year-old girlfriend as they exited a lumber yard on McGee Street shortly after midnight. When the officers approached, the man drew a handgun and opened fire, killing Officer Coker. Both subjects were apprehended. The man was sentenced to death his sentence was later commuted to 99 years. He was released in December 1950 after Governor Gordon Browning reduced his sentence to 12 years. His girlfriend was sentenced to 21 years but was released after serving only a few months.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-TN-7E6E6744- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew Barton. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Police Officer Coker served with the Maryville Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Maryville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Police Officer Coker.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Police Officer Barton Coker is one of 1 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 0% of all 97,772 officers honored here.
In TN, 498 of 769 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 64.8% of this state's fallen. That is 64.8 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
At Maryville Police Department, 4 of 4 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 100% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Barton Coker's cause is highlighted.
How Barton Coker Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Barton Coker is highlighted in Jan.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Barton Coker was killed by handgun.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Maryville Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
