Paul Coker Jr. (March 5, 1929 – July 23, 2022)

The animation industry has lost another prolific artist. Paul
Coker Jr., a cartoonist and designer whose career spanned
nearly five decades, passed away on Saturday, July 23 at his
home in Santa Fe, New Mexico.  

Coker’s first appearance in Mad was in 1961; and went on to illustrate
over 375 articles for the magazine.

Although many credit our modern day Santa to Thomas Nast,
Santa’s jolly look all started in 1931 with legendary illustrator
Haddon Sundblom for a Coca-Cola holiday ad campaign. His
Santa has become one of the most beloved cultural icons and
an anticipated part of the Christmas holiday tradition. 
 

Haddon Hubbard "Sunny" Sundblom (June 22, 1899 – March 10, 1976)