Koons

KOONS

Posted By: Laura Schnabel (email)
Date: 1/21/2014 at 11:42:02

Journal Express, Knoxville, IA
December 5, 2013
Leland 'Lee' Koons

The Journal Express

---- — Leland “Lee” Duane Koons was born on June 30, 1935, in Pleasantville, the son of Howard and Hildreth (Willey) Koons. He grew up in Pleasantville and joined the United States Air Force in 1952, proudly serving for four years. He was stationed in Anchorage, Alaska, and Seattle, Wash., during his service.

Lee was united in marriage to Virginia Schellinger on Aug. 26, 1953, in Amagansett, N. Y. After being discharged from the Air Force, the couple made their home in New York. They lived there for nearly 20 years before returning to Iowa, settling in Tracy for the last 30 years. Lee worked at Vermeer as a machinist for 27 years, retiring in 1998. Lee enjoyed gardening and building bird houses, but his greatest joy came from spending time with his family.

Lee passed away Sunday, Nov. 24, 2013, at the West Ridge Nursing & Rehab Center in Knoxville at the age of 78 years. He was preceded in death by his parents; son, William; brothers, Marion, Bobby and Warren; and sisters, Carly DeMoss and Karen Heaton.

Those left to honor his memory include his wife, Virginia; children, Sue (Rick) Test of Bussey, Beth Koons Conrad of Knoxville, Wayne (Deb) Koons of Sag Harbor, N.Y. and Kathy (Barry) Bennett of East Hampton, N.Y.; daughter-in-law, Carla Koons of Knoxville; brothers, Lyle (Paula) of Knoxville and Norman (Norma) of Mena, AR; sisters, Gwen (Charles) Bly of Swan, Corrine (Randy) Bennett of Knoxville, Connie Dunfee and Phyllis (Ken) Weir; sister-in-law, Dorothy Koons; 14 grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

A funeral service was held on Wednesday, Nov. 27, at Williams Funeral Home in Knoxville. Burial with military honors followed in Breckenridge Cemetery in rural Marion County. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to the family.