SFC (Ret) Clarence L. Koon

Clarence “Pappy” Koon, son of the late Clarence W. and Pauline (McCue) Koon was born March 18, 1932 in Kingman, Kansas. He departed this life Tuesday, December 21, 2010 at the Missouri Veteran’s Home, St. James, Missouri. Clarence was surrounded by his loving wife, Erldeen; his many Comrades’ and caregivers at the Veteran’s Home. Clarence was raised in the Nazarene faith, and accepted the Lord as a young child. He was a Kingman High School Graduate with the “Class of 1950”. He cherished the values and appreciated the “hometown” culture he learned as a young man growing up in rural Kansas. The year 1956 was a busy year for Clarence. He married the love of his life, Erldeen (Moody), a Kingman girl that he had his eye on for several years. The marriage on March 25, 1956 spanned 54 years and a lifetime of cherished memories. Later in 1956, Clarence enlisted into the United States Army. He initially was stationed in England and served in several locations throughout the world. Clarence and Erldeen spent two tours of duty at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, where he eventually retired in 1980. Upon his retirement he began working for EDP were he continued his service to his nation and to soldiers as a Mess Hall Supervisor retiring from there in 1997. Clarence and Erldeen retired to the peacefulness of Devil’s Elbow, Missouri, and the perfect place for an avid outdoorsman. He had a great appreciation of nature and all the bounties it provided. Clarence loved to hunt, fish and canoe. He enjoyed working with the youth in many different sporting leagues throughout the years. You could hardly ever catch Clarence idle. He spent many years volunteering his time and labor to the VFW Post 3168 and American Legion Post 331 where he was Post Commander. He was a valued member of the Sons of the American Legion, REACT Team and Ducks Unlimited. Clarence is survived by his wife: Erldeen of Devil’s Elbow; one son: Tony Lyle Koon of Kansas City; six siblings: Maxine Beckerman of Fowler, Kansas, Norma Jean Myers of Kinsley, Kansas, Wayne Koon and Wilbur Koon, both of Kingman, Kansas, Jack Koon of Wichita, Kansas and Larry Koon of Colby, Kansas; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Funeral services were held at 12:00 Noon, Tuesday, December 28, 2010 in the Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert with Rev. Danny Graves officiating. Soloist Mike Freeman sang “God Bless the USA” and “Daddy’s Hands”. Serving as escorts were Kenneth Koon, Todd Koon, Jay Yoder, Ralph Turner, Kevin Johnson and Jerry Britton. Graveside services with military honors were held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, December 30, 2010 in the Walnut Hill Cemetery of Kingman, Kansas with Chaplain (CPT) Jody Harlow officiating. Military honors were provided by the United States Army of Fort Riley, Kansas. Services were under the direction of Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Clarence Koon to the TNC Community Center, 12404 E. US Hwy 40, Independence, Missouri 64055 or may be left at the funeral home.

SFC (Ret) Clarence L. Koon

March 18, 1932 - December 21, 2010