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.