Gerald Ray Koonce
Loading. . .
Obituary
Gerald Ray Koonce
Age 79, a resident of Hogeye, Arkansas, passed away Friday, December 30, 2022 at his home. He was born April 21, 1943 in Lamesa, Texas, the son of Ervin Burton and Zora Faye (Harris) Koonce.
Gerald married his high school sweetheart, Diann , and were married for 60 years. Together they had five children and five grandchildren.
He retired from Levi Strauss after 33 years and spent a short time as a policeman and fireman. He was a lifetime musician and loved country and western music. He started singing for his Aunt Minnie Bell at four years old and went on to win the Red Foley's Ozark Jubilee singing contest at 10 years old.
He was preceded in death by one daughter Dina Raye, his father Jake, his mother Zora Faye and his step father Bill Drennan.
Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Martha Diann Koonce; four children Kevin Koonce and his wife Regina of Berryville, Arkansas, Dana Koonce of West Fork, Arkansas, Jon Koonce and his wife Regina of West Fork, and CeCe Pedersen and her husband Russ also of West Fork; five grandchildren Jacob Pedersen, Jaxsen Pedersen, Brandy Royster, Christopher Royster, and Andrew Bray.
Funeral service will be held 10:00 AM Monday, January 2nd, 2023, at Luginbuel Chapel in Prairie Grove, Arkansas. Burial will be in the Howell Cemetery in Hogeye, there will be no graveside service held.
Age 79, a resident of Hogeye, Arkansas, passed away Friday, December 30, 2022 at his home. He was born April 21, 1943 in Lamesa, Texas, the son of Ervin Burton and Zora Faye (Harris) Koonce.
Gerald married his high school sweetheart, Diann , and were married for 60 years. Together they had five children and five grandchildren.
He retired from Levi Strauss after 33 years and spent a short time as a policeman and fireman. He was a lifetime musician and loved country and western music. He started singing for his Aunt Minnie Bell at four years old and went on to win the Red Foley's Ozark Jubilee singing contest at 10 years old.
He was preceded in death by one daughter Dina Raye, his father Jake, his mother Zora Faye and his step father Bill Drennan.
Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Martha Diann Koonce; four children Kevin Koonce and his wife Regina of Berryville, Arkansas, Dana Koonce of West Fork, Arkansas, Jon Koonce and his wife Regina of West Fork, and CeCe Pedersen and her husband Russ also of West Fork; five grandchildren Jacob Pedersen, Jaxsen Pedersen, Brandy Royster, Christopher Royster, and Andrew Bray.
Funeral service will be held 10:00 AM Monday, January 2nd, 2023, at Luginbuel Chapel in Prairie Grove, Arkansas. Burial will be in the Howell Cemetery in Hogeye, there will be no graveside service held.
Funeral Service
10:00 am
Luginbuel Chapel. There will be no graveside service held.
Visitation
Visitation information unavailable.
Final Resting Place
General
Apr 21, 1943
Dec 30, 2022
79
Documents
Tributes
I thought he was a good family.man a good man to work with he let everyone know he loved his wife and family
Marilyn Ritchie - Friend and co worker at Levis
Mr. Koonce wasn’t caring and compassionate person who always made me feel at home whenever I was there. I love hearing him sing. He always had a good story to tell .Rest in peace. I’m sure he’s up there singing with the angels.
Earlene Sweeney - Friend
If ever there was a neighbor who had my heart it was Gerald. He loved big and without conditions. We will forever be grateful for the last year getting to know him and using his firetruck to enhance my daughters wedding. Say hi to Papa Bill for me and Granny Faye. Diann and family, we love you guys.
Melissa Eaton - Neighbor/Friend
please excuse the mistyping of Earlene Sweeney. her phone did an autocorrect of an accidental typing mistake.
She thinks very highly of Mr. Koonce, as do all of us and will greatly miss him…his silly antics, his passing down of pocket knives, and his songs to soothe.
Brandy Royster - granddaughter
Funeral Service
10:00 am
Luginbuel Chapel. There will be no graveside service held.
Visitation
Visitation information unavailable.
Final Resting Place
General
Apr 21, 1943
Dec 30, 2022
79
Documents