Fayetteville Public Utilities offices will be closed from 9:30 until 11:30 am on Wednesday, April 15, so that employees can pay their respects to long-time co-worker, Chris Coble, who died suddenly on April 12.

Chris Coble spent 20 years working for Fayetteville Public Utilities in the electric department. He began working at FPU (previously known as Fayetteville Electric System) in April 1989 as a tree trimmer. In April 1991, he began his apprenticeship training for the electric lineman position. In 1995, Chris obtained his journeyman lineman status, and in 1999 he became a lead lineman for the department.

Over the years, he's worked as part of a two-man service crew and also with six-man line construction crews. This past November, Chris was promoted to working foreman for the electric department overseeing daily operations of his crew.

Chris has assisted in several electric restoration efforts following major storms with the most recent being the Kentucky ice storms in early 2009.

"Chris Coble has always been an employee you could count on," says Britt Dye, CEO/General Manager of Fayetteville Public Utilities, "dependable, hardworking, dedicated, always going above and beyond, never quitting until the job was done."

"Chris has also been a dear friend to all of us ove the many years. He will truly be missed by all of us."

The 39-year old Coble also served on the Lincoln County Fair Board and was an avid hunter and devoted family man.

Funeral services will be conducted at 10 am on April 15 at Higgins Funeral Home with Bro. Don Russell officiating. Burial will follow in the Blanche Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the charity of one's choice.