Kenneth Wesley Koon of Plano, Texas passed away on February 6, 2021 at the age of 74. He was born on a cold, snowy day February 2, 1947 to Billie Winkler and Alva Louise (Lawrence) Koon in Matador, Texas. Shortly after birth, Kenneth wouldn’t cry and needed a shot of adrenaline. The hospital is still standing and was built with slabs of rock from a local quarry. Kenneth married the love of his life, Diana Isabella Russell on July 19, 1968 in Abilene, Texas.
He is survived by his wife, Diana Koon of Plano, Texas; son, Kyle Koon and wife, Simone of Plano, Texas; grandsons, Ethan, Wesley, and Jacob Koon; son, Kody Koon and wife, Kim of Frisco, Texas; granddaughters, Reagan and Caroline Koon; sister, Karen Fleming of Little Rock, Arkansas; niece, Amanda of Dallas, Texas; and numerous other loving family and friends.
Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents.
Kenneth accepted Christ early in life and was a faithful servant. His life was a witness for Christ and he led many to the Lord. His testimony was evident in his daily life as he interacted with colleagues and everyday people. Everyone that met Kenneth loved him. He never met a stranger. Kenneth and Diana attend Saturday night services at Prestonwood Baptist Church and were faithful with their tithes and offerings. Kenneth and Diana opened their home to many Prestonwood Baptist Church interns to live with them while they completed their seminary master’s program. Kenneth also helped teach the Open Door Fellowship Class on Saturday nights and Diana always fed everyone. He also taught a Bible study class every Thursday at Evergreen Retirement Center. He was an avid reader of the Bible before going to bed every night.
Kenneth had an undying devotion to his sons, daughters-in-law, and grandchildren. He put their needs above his own. He was also there to give encouragement, support, and love. All of his grandchildren called him “grandpa” and were the apple of his eyes. He taught his five grandchildren to read and loved singing with his granddaughter, Caroline. He loved going to his granddaughters’ soccer games, grandsons’ football games, and taking his grandchildren on vacations. Mom and Dad always worked as a team in all types of projects, business, and travel. The loved to work in their house painting, remodeling, and decorating. They traveled the world together, had many adventures, and met lifelong friends. Kenneth was an avid art collector, including works by Peter Max, Alexander Renoir, Thomas Kincaid, Henry Behrens, Autumn de Forest, and Romero Britto. Every wall in their two-story house is covered with Art.
Kenneth was in the Educational Publishing industry for over 40 years. He began his career with Addison-Wesley and also worked for Scott Foresman, D.C. Heath, Silver Burdett, SRA/McGraw-Hill, National Geographic/Cengage, and Universal Publishing. He made many friends throughout his career and always wanted the best for his sales representatives. Kenneth and Diana worked together as a team in 2019, selling Handwriting for Universal Publishing. They traveled throughout Texas for over 8 months. Mom took care of setting up the displays, passing out samples, and meeting with teachers, while Dad took care of the presentations. They loved working together and won many adoptions across Texas, including Fort Worth ISD. He had the best time selling books and being with my Mom.
A “come and go” visitation will be held on Wednesday, February 10, 2021, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home. Only a limited number of guests will be allowed to enter the funeral home facility at any one time to maintain social distancing.
In support of our local, state, and federal govt including CDC directives and to protect the physical health, safety and well-being of our community, only a limited number of guests will be allowed to attend the Funeral Service.
A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, February 11, 2021, at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home Chapel, 2525 Central Expressway North, Allen, Texas. The service will also be live streamed at TJMfuneral.com on Kenneth’s obituary page by clicking on the following link: https://celebrationoflife.tv/blog/kenneth-wesley-koon. After the service, the recorded live stream will be available for viewing at the same link location.
However, when the maximum number of guests are reached, those who would like to honor Kenneth and show their support to his family may remain at the funeral home in your vehicle, where you can watch the live streamed service on your personal device (laptop, tablet or smartphone) or listen through a designated FM radio channel.
Following the funeral service, a procession will make its way to Ridgeview Memorial Park for a committal service where all are invited to attend the committal service maintaining social distancing or you may remain in your vehicle. You will be able to listen to the service through speakers set up at the gravesite.
The family suggests memorial donations, in Kenneth's honor, may be made to Prestonwoodpregnancycenter.org.
“The light of God surrounds us;
The love of God enfolds us;
The power of God protects us;
The presence of God watches over us;
Wherever we are, God is!”