Obituaries
Published on Wed, Jul 14, 2010Read More Obituaries
Mary Herndon
A memorial service was held for Sequim resident Mary Herndon, who died June 11, 2010, at the age of 91.
She was born Sept. 26, 1918, in Denver, Colo., to Thurman James and Marie Louise Halliback Baker.
She married Champ Herndon Jr., in 1939, in El Paso, Texas. They divorced in 1966.
She moved to Sequim in 1976, and was the costume mistress for Pioneer Dance Arts from 1976-2008.
She is survived by her sons Champ Herndon III of Garland, Texas; John Herndon of Albuquerque, N.M.; and Robert Herndon of El Paso; daughters Sherian Echenrod of Fresno, Calif. and Kathleen Moore of Sequim; four grandchildren; and two foster grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her foster son Robert Hansen of Bowie, Md. His wife Nancy survives.
Virginia Hoover
A memorial service will be held at a later date in Michigan for former Sequim resident Virginia Hoover, who died July 1, 2010, at the age of 86.
She was born Oct. 4, 1923, in Augusta, Maine, to Harry and Gertrude Pierce Pinkham.
She married Keith Hoover on Aug. 4, 1945. He preceded her in death on Feb. 22, 2008.
After her husband's retirement, they traveled the country and the world for 12 years before settling in Sequim in 1998. They lived in Sequim for several years before returning to Michigan.
Mrs. Hoover is survived by seven children and their spouses, Jon Hoover and Debra Sharp of Sequim; David and Diane Hoover of Elko, Nev.; Sharon Francis of Portage, Mich.; Cynthia and Robert Luyendyk, Plainwell, Mich.; Vicki and Randy Hawkinson of Anacortes; Cameron Hoover of Santa Clara, Calif.; and Alison and Owen Bomrassa of Bloomfield, Mich.; sister Mary Lou Pilsbury, Augusta; eight grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and many nephews and nieces.
Langeland Funeral Home in Kalamazoo, Mich., was in charge of arrangements.
Leatrice Alitha Wibe
A service was held for Sequim resident Leatrice Alitha Wibe, who died July 6, 2010, at the age of 85.
Mrs. Wibe was born Jan. 29, 1925, in Port Angeles, to Earl and Inez Pollock Watson.
Her marriage to Veryl Livengood ended in divorce. She married Normand Wibe on June 23, 1979.
She worked for the telephone company in Sequim in the mid-1950s, as a dairy farmer and at PenPly Mill. She was a member of the Eagles Lodge.
She is survived by her husband, Normand Wibe of Sequim; sons and daughters-in-law Veryl Jr. and Mikki Livengood of Troutdale, Ore., and Gary and Wanda Livengood of Sequim; nine grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.
Memorial contributions may be sent to Volunteer Hospice of Clallam County, P.O. Box 2014, Port Angeles, WA 98362.
James B. Stark
A funeral service was held for Port Angeles resident James "Jim" B. Stark, who died July 2, 2010, at the age of 47.
He was born Oct. 15, 1962, in Port Angeles to Chester "Chet" and Nila Kepford Stark.
Drennan & Ford Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Dominic Paul Lawless
No services were reported for Sequim resident Dominic Paul Lawless, who died June 25, 2010, at the age of 83.
He was born June 19, 1927, in Boston, Mass., to Edgar and Mary Raczkowski Lawless.
He served in the United States Navy.
He is survived by his sons Walter, Varryl, Michael and James Lawless, and daughters Diane and Dana Lawless.
He was preceded in death by his son, John Lawless.
Sequim Valley Chapel was in charge of arrangements.
Betty Jean Trout
Private family services will be held at a later date for
Sequim resident Betty Jean Trout, who died July 8, 2010, at the age of 81.
She was born Dec. 7, 1928, in Seminole, Okla., to Major and Hattie O'Neal Nelson. A complete obituary will be in an upcoming edition.
Drennan & Ford Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Ro Jean Mount
November 11, 1941 - July 8, 2010
Ran out of Breath. Diagnosed with lung cancer in May 2003, Ro Jean continued to live her life to the fullest each and every day. She was delighted to have had so much extra time to enjoy her family and friends. A sentiment that was mutually shared.
Ro Jean passed away peacefully on July 8, 2010 surrounded by her loving family. She bravely displayed her dignity, courage and grace to the very end. She was preceded in death by her parents, Arvie and Dottie Smith and by her son, Todd Mount.
Born and raised in Sequim, Washington, she graduated from Sequim High School in 1959, then went on to attend Western Washington University. Ro Jean moved to Seattle in 1980 where she met her soul-mate, Bud Mount, and they married in 1982. Theirs was a magical relationship: best friends who loved and adored one another. Days were filled with jokes, laughter, joy, fun, love and happiness. Ro Jean was blessed to have a life filled with many great experiences, and to enjoy her later years wintering in Palm Springs. Bud and Ro Jean chose to spend their time with friends and family, as that is what truly enriched their lives as a couple. Unbelievably talented in a multitude of areas, she was so happy to have been able to see and do so much - and have the time and resources to devote to all the passing crafts that caught her fancy. She would have loved to stack up everything she created and see how high the pile would reach - maybe as high as an elephant's eye. . . .or higher!
Ro Jean was an avid and enthusiastic:
• Gardener
• Seamstress
• Doll-maker
• Cook
• Pianist
• Golfer
• Reader
She loved her friends at Rainier Golf and Country Club, serving as Captain of their Ladies Division in 1997. Her amazingly beautiful gardens reflected the education received through the Master Gardener program she excelled at. Though flowers were one of Ro Jean's great passions, it is her request they don't be cut and arranged in her honor, but rather those funds be used to benefit one of her other affections:
Seattle Cancer Care Alliance
(SCCA)
825 Eastlake Ave E
PO Box 19023
Seattle WA 98109-1023
Northwest Harvest
PO Box 12272
Seattle, WA 98102
Gilda's Club
1400 Broadway
Seattle, WA 98122
Appreciation for Ro Jean's extension of life is due, in great part, to the very special care received at SCCA at the hands of Dr. Keith "Honey" Eaton, Dr. Stephen Petersdorf and Dr. Marc Chamberlain; also Dr. Robert Perry of Burien. Thank you to her caretakers: Bea Dillworth, Elizabeth Kihanya and Highline Hospice. Also, much gratitude to Mona Anderson and Cindy Spengler for all of their great meals, love and support.
Bud, husband and forever soul-mate, survives her as do her children: son Brian Flanders and his wife Dot, daughter Valerie Johnson with her husband Lynn, and daughter Jennifer Mount. Her precious "Grands" include: Stephanie Mount-Ramos, Jaden Ro Jean Johnson, Emily Broad, Riley Broad, Drew Johnson and Todd Johnson. She also leaves two dear brothers and their wives: Gary and Janice Smith and Mark and Aleta Smith of Sequim - - and a large extended family.
"Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely and pretty in a well-preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out and loudly proclaiming, Wow! What a ride!"
Memorial Services will be held at Rainier Golf and Country Club on Sunday, July 18th at 1pm.
SSG MARK AARON MATHIS
9-2-1971 TO 6-26-2010
It deeply saddens us to announce the passing of: SSG Mark Aaron Mathis, (September 2, 1971 - June 26, 2010), Mark passed away at his home in San Tan Valley, Arizona after a three year battle with injuries and illnesses received in Afghanistan during support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Mark became a casualty
of war.
Mark is survived by his Mother Judy Price, Father Jim Mathis, Step Mother Susan Hansberry-Mathis, his two Daughters Sierra & Elaine Mathis, Step-Son Marcus Close, Sister Jamie Mathis & Brother-in-Law Gordon Nellis, Brother Reed Mathis & Sister-in-Law Debbie Drake-Mathis, extended family Elaine, Jim, Chad and Jeremy Copeland, countless Aunts, Uncles, Nieces, Nephews, Cousins and too many friends to list.
Mark was preceded in death by Grandparents Tom & Lucille Mathis and Marv & Elaine Sanders.
Mark was born in Everett, Washington, then at the age of 4, with his adoring family, moved to Sequim, Washington, where he made many friends through his participation in sports, fishing, hunting and simply being Mark. He is a 1990 graduate of Sequim High School. After high school he went on to attend the College of Southern Idaho on a Track and Field Scholarship. Upon graduation from college, Mark started his family and throughout his life, his children always remained his top priority. Mark proudly served in the Army National Guard from 1999 until present, where he made literally hundreds of friends, all of whom he dearly loved, as they did Mark.
Mark was laid to rest in Phoenix, Arizona on Thursday, July 8th, 2010 at 10:00 a.m.
A Celebration of Mark's life will be held at: 12329 48th Drive N.E. Marysville, WA 98271 on Saturday, July 17th at 6:00 p.m. Mark's family extends an invitation to all family, friends and comrades to join them in this celebration.
Please keep Mark's family, friends and fellow soldiers in your thoughts and prayers during this extremely difficult time.
In Lieu of flowers please shake a veterans hand and thank him for serving our country.
An account has been set up at Bank of America in Mark's mother's name, Judy Price, to assist with travel expenses for Mark's children.
Jean Shirley Coffelt Balice Frost
J
ean Shirley Coffelt Balice Frost, 88, went to her Maker on Monday, June 21, 2010. She was born in Chicago, Illinois, on December 30, 1921, to Oscar Theodore (OT) Coffelt and Marjorie Todd Coffelt. She led a full life that included family, the outdoors, traveling, good food, and a strong interest in politics. Her many hobbies included being an accomplished trainer of championship dogs and being an expert birder.
In childhood, Jean lived in Jackson, Michigan, where she attended Girl Scout camp and developed her love for the outdoors. As a Political Science major at the University of Michigan, she met and married Francis William Balice, of Ionia, Michigan. Jean and Francis moved to Midland, Michigan, and then returned to Ann Arbor, where Francis completed his training as a Doctor of Medicine. They then moved to Adrian, Michigan, where they raised a family of four children and where Jean obtained her BA degree in Education from Adrian College. Later, Jean moved to Tillamook, Oregon, where she worked as a County Extension Agent. Then, she moved to Corvallis, Oregon, where she served as the Assistant to the Dean of the Oregon State University Veterinary School. Jean then met and married, Quintin Robert Frost. They lived in Sequim, Washington, until Jean moved to Los Alamos to be closer to her children.
Jean was preceded in death by Quinton Robert Frost, her brother, Oscar Theodore (Ted) Coffelt, her sister, Marjorie Helen Coffelt Bender, and her son, William Francis Balice. She is survived by Dr. Francis William Balice, her brother, William Todd Coffelt, her son, Dr. Randy Guy Balice, her daughters, Judith Ann Balice and Janet Grace Balice White, four grandchildren, Cooper Symons Balice White, Chisana Grace Balice White, William Clifford Balice and Tara Lynn Balice, and one great-grandchild, Liam Jack Balice.
A memorial service was held at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church,
in Los Alamos, on Saturday, June 26.
Jean's children will always remember her as a loving and caring person, who gave life and kept giving tirelessly so that others could enjoy the fruits of this world. In lieu of flowers, send donations to LA Cares Community Food Bank or the Bethlehem Lutheran Church.
Owen Lee Koontz
July 7, 1920 - May 20, 2010
On May 20, 2010, after a heroic battle with heart disease, diabetes and kidney failure, Owen Koontz passed away peacefully at the Stafford rehabilitation facility in Des Moines, WA surrounded by family. He was 89. Owen will be greatly missed by his two daughters, Debra O'Connell and Darlene Doak and his brother, Douglas Koontz of North Carolina. He is also survived by six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his adoring wife Resia Mae in 2006. They were married 45 years.
Born in Taylorsville, NC, he was placed in Mills Home Orphanage run by the State Baptist church at the age of 6 after his mother's untimely death. At the age of 19 he went to Furman University in SC on a football scholarship playing end and blocking back. However, he always wanted to be a pilot and so in 1942 he left to go to flight school. After receiving his wings he was commissioned to fly WW2 missions in North Africa in a B-26 Marauder. He was shot down three times, the third time over Italy in 1944. He spent the next 14 months in a POW camp in Barth, Germany. After the war he saw that there were too many airline pilots so he went to Communications Officer School. In 1949, he graduated from the Air Force Institute of Technology with honors. He spent the next 10 years working for the Air Force developing and installing navigational systems. In 1955, he received a Master's Degree in Electrical Engineering from Stanford University along with perfecting his golf game. He shot a 64 on the Stanford course. His superior golf skills resulted in a career 8 hole-in-ones and an invitation to the Pebble Beach Pro-Am Tournament in 1966.
He met his lovely wife Resia while working in the aeronautical research lab at Wright Paterson, AFB in Dayton, Ohio. After
22 years in the Air Force with the rank of Lt. Col, Owen retired to San Jose, CA to work on the Gemini and Apollo space projects at the Ames Research, NASA facility in Sunnyvale, CA. In 1981 he fully retired to Port Angeles and then Sequim to relax and mainly play golf at the Dungeness Country Club. He loved to tinker in his garage and could fix most anything. He had a quick wit and was fiercely proud of his service to his country. He will be forever in our hearts.
A grave side service will be held at Mt. Angeles Cemetery on Friday, July 16, at 11 a.m. The family invites friends to join them at Owen's home for a luncheon from 1-3 p.m. to celebrate his life.
A memorial service was held for Sequim resident Mary Herndon, who died June 11, 2010, at the age of 91.
She was born Sept. 26, 1918, in Denver, Colo., to Thurman James and Marie Louise Halliback Baker.
She married Champ Herndon Jr., in 1939, in El Paso, Texas. They divorced in 1966.
She moved to Sequim in 1976, and was the costume mistress for Pioneer Dance Arts from 1976-2008.
She is survived by her sons Champ Herndon III of Garland, Texas; John Herndon of Albuquerque, N.M.; and Robert Herndon of El Paso; daughters Sherian Echenrod of Fresno, Calif. and Kathleen Moore of Sequim; four grandchildren; and two foster grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her foster son Robert Hansen of Bowie, Md. His wife Nancy survives.
Virginia Hoover
A memorial service will be held at a later date in Michigan for former Sequim resident Virginia Hoover, who died July 1, 2010, at the age of 86.
She was born Oct. 4, 1923, in Augusta, Maine, to Harry and Gertrude Pierce Pinkham.
She married Keith Hoover on Aug. 4, 1945. He preceded her in death on Feb. 22, 2008.
After her husband's retirement, they traveled the country and the world for 12 years before settling in Sequim in 1998. They lived in Sequim for several years before returning to Michigan.
Mrs. Hoover is survived by seven children and their spouses, Jon Hoover and Debra Sharp of Sequim; David and Diane Hoover of Elko, Nev.; Sharon Francis of Portage, Mich.; Cynthia and Robert Luyendyk, Plainwell, Mich.; Vicki and Randy Hawkinson of Anacortes; Cameron Hoover of Santa Clara, Calif.; and Alison and Owen Bomrassa of Bloomfield, Mich.; sister Mary Lou Pilsbury, Augusta; eight grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and many nephews and nieces.
Langeland Funeral Home in Kalamazoo, Mich., was in charge of arrangements.
Leatrice Alitha Wibe
A service was held for Sequim resident Leatrice Alitha Wibe, who died July 6, 2010, at the age of 85.
Mrs. Wibe was born Jan. 29, 1925, in Port Angeles, to Earl and Inez Pollock Watson.
Her marriage to Veryl Livengood ended in divorce. She married Normand Wibe on June 23, 1979.
She worked for the telephone company in Sequim in the mid-1950s, as a dairy farmer and at PenPly Mill. She was a member of the Eagles Lodge.
She is survived by her husband, Normand Wibe of Sequim; sons and daughters-in-law Veryl Jr. and Mikki Livengood of Troutdale, Ore., and Gary and Wanda Livengood of Sequim; nine grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.
Memorial contributions may be sent to Volunteer Hospice of Clallam County, P.O. Box 2014, Port Angeles, WA 98362.
James B. Stark
A funeral service was held for Port Angeles resident James "Jim" B. Stark, who died July 2, 2010, at the age of 47.
He was born Oct. 15, 1962, in Port Angeles to Chester "Chet" and Nila Kepford Stark.
Drennan & Ford Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Dominic Paul Lawless
No services were reported for Sequim resident Dominic Paul Lawless, who died June 25, 2010, at the age of 83.
He was born June 19, 1927, in Boston, Mass., to Edgar and Mary Raczkowski Lawless.
He served in the United States Navy.
He is survived by his sons Walter, Varryl, Michael and James Lawless, and daughters Diane and Dana Lawless.
He was preceded in death by his son, John Lawless.
Sequim Valley Chapel was in charge of arrangements.
Betty Jean Trout
Private family services will be held at a later date for
Sequim resident Betty Jean Trout, who died July 8, 2010, at the age of 81.
She was born Dec. 7, 1928, in Seminole, Okla., to Major and Hattie O'Neal Nelson. A complete obituary will be in an upcoming edition.
Drennan & Ford Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Ro Jean Mount
November 11, 1941 - July 8, 2010
Ran out of Breath. Diagnosed with lung cancer in May 2003, Ro Jean continued to live her life to the fullest each and every day. She was delighted to have had so much extra time to enjoy her family and friends. A sentiment that was mutually shared.
Ro Jean passed away peacefully on July 8, 2010 surrounded by her loving family. She bravely displayed her dignity, courage and grace to the very end. She was preceded in death by her parents, Arvie and Dottie Smith and by her son, Todd Mount.
Born and raised in Sequim, Washington, she graduated from Sequim High School in 1959, then went on to attend Western Washington University. Ro Jean moved to Seattle in 1980 where she met her soul-mate, Bud Mount, and they married in 1982. Theirs was a magical relationship: best friends who loved and adored one another. Days were filled with jokes, laughter, joy, fun, love and happiness. Ro Jean was blessed to have a life filled with many great experiences, and to enjoy her later years wintering in Palm Springs. Bud and Ro Jean chose to spend their time with friends and family, as that is what truly enriched their lives as a couple. Unbelievably talented in a multitude of areas, she was so happy to have been able to see and do so much - and have the time and resources to devote to all the passing crafts that caught her fancy. She would have loved to stack up everything she created and see how high the pile would reach - maybe as high as an elephant's eye. . . .or higher!
Ro Jean was an avid and enthusiastic:
• Gardener
• Seamstress
• Doll-maker
• Cook
• Pianist
• Golfer
• Reader
She loved her friends at Rainier Golf and Country Club, serving as Captain of their Ladies Division in 1997. Her amazingly beautiful gardens reflected the education received through the Master Gardener program she excelled at. Though flowers were one of Ro Jean's great passions, it is her request they don't be cut and arranged in her honor, but rather those funds be used to benefit one of her other affections:
Seattle Cancer Care Alliance
(SCCA)
825 Eastlake Ave E
PO Box 19023
Seattle WA 98109-1023
Northwest Harvest
PO Box 12272
Seattle, WA 98102
Gilda's Club
1400 Broadway
Seattle, WA 98122
Appreciation for Ro Jean's extension of life is due, in great part, to the very special care received at SCCA at the hands of Dr. Keith "Honey" Eaton, Dr. Stephen Petersdorf and Dr. Marc Chamberlain; also Dr. Robert Perry of Burien. Thank you to her caretakers: Bea Dillworth, Elizabeth Kihanya and Highline Hospice. Also, much gratitude to Mona Anderson and Cindy Spengler for all of their great meals, love and support.
Bud, husband and forever soul-mate, survives her as do her children: son Brian Flanders and his wife Dot, daughter Valerie Johnson with her husband Lynn, and daughter Jennifer Mount. Her precious "Grands" include: Stephanie Mount-Ramos, Jaden Ro Jean Johnson, Emily Broad, Riley Broad, Drew Johnson and Todd Johnson. She also leaves two dear brothers and their wives: Gary and Janice Smith and Mark and Aleta Smith of Sequim - - and a large extended family.
"Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely and pretty in a well-preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out and loudly proclaiming, Wow! What a ride!"
Memorial Services will be held at Rainier Golf and Country Club on Sunday, July 18th at 1pm.
SSG MARK AARON MATHIS
9-2-1971 TO 6-26-2010
It deeply saddens us to announce the passing of: SSG Mark Aaron Mathis, (September 2, 1971 - June 26, 2010), Mark passed away at his home in San Tan Valley, Arizona after a three year battle with injuries and illnesses received in Afghanistan during support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Mark became a casualty
of war.
Mark is survived by his Mother Judy Price, Father Jim Mathis, Step Mother Susan Hansberry-Mathis, his two Daughters Sierra & Elaine Mathis, Step-Son Marcus Close, Sister Jamie Mathis & Brother-in-Law Gordon Nellis, Brother Reed Mathis & Sister-in-Law Debbie Drake-Mathis, extended family Elaine, Jim, Chad and Jeremy Copeland, countless Aunts, Uncles, Nieces, Nephews, Cousins and too many friends to list.
Mark was preceded in death by Grandparents Tom & Lucille Mathis and Marv & Elaine Sanders.
Mark was born in Everett, Washington, then at the age of 4, with his adoring family, moved to Sequim, Washington, where he made many friends through his participation in sports, fishing, hunting and simply being Mark. He is a 1990 graduate of Sequim High School. After high school he went on to attend the College of Southern Idaho on a Track and Field Scholarship. Upon graduation from college, Mark started his family and throughout his life, his children always remained his top priority. Mark proudly served in the Army National Guard from 1999 until present, where he made literally hundreds of friends, all of whom he dearly loved, as they did Mark.
Mark was laid to rest in Phoenix, Arizona on Thursday, July 8th, 2010 at 10:00 a.m.
A Celebration of Mark's life will be held at: 12329 48th Drive N.E. Marysville, WA 98271 on Saturday, July 17th at 6:00 p.m. Mark's family extends an invitation to all family, friends and comrades to join them in this celebration.
Please keep Mark's family, friends and fellow soldiers in your thoughts and prayers during this extremely difficult time.
In Lieu of flowers please shake a veterans hand and thank him for serving our country.
An account has been set up at Bank of America in Mark's mother's name, Judy Price, to assist with travel expenses for Mark's children.
Jean Shirley Coffelt Balice Frost
J
ean Shirley Coffelt Balice Frost, 88, went to her Maker on Monday, June 21, 2010. She was born in Chicago, Illinois, on December 30, 1921, to Oscar Theodore (OT) Coffelt and Marjorie Todd Coffelt. She led a full life that included family, the outdoors, traveling, good food, and a strong interest in politics. Her many hobbies included being an accomplished trainer of championship dogs and being an expert birder.
In childhood, Jean lived in Jackson, Michigan, where she attended Girl Scout camp and developed her love for the outdoors. As a Political Science major at the University of Michigan, she met and married Francis William Balice, of Ionia, Michigan. Jean and Francis moved to Midland, Michigan, and then returned to Ann Arbor, where Francis completed his training as a Doctor of Medicine. They then moved to Adrian, Michigan, where they raised a family of four children and where Jean obtained her BA degree in Education from Adrian College. Later, Jean moved to Tillamook, Oregon, where she worked as a County Extension Agent. Then, she moved to Corvallis, Oregon, where she served as the Assistant to the Dean of the Oregon State University Veterinary School. Jean then met and married, Quintin Robert Frost. They lived in Sequim, Washington, until Jean moved to Los Alamos to be closer to her children.
Jean was preceded in death by Quinton Robert Frost, her brother, Oscar Theodore (Ted) Coffelt, her sister, Marjorie Helen Coffelt Bender, and her son, William Francis Balice. She is survived by Dr. Francis William Balice, her brother, William Todd Coffelt, her son, Dr. Randy Guy Balice, her daughters, Judith Ann Balice and Janet Grace Balice White, four grandchildren, Cooper Symons Balice White, Chisana Grace Balice White, William Clifford Balice and Tara Lynn Balice, and one great-grandchild, Liam Jack Balice.
A memorial service was held at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church,
in Los Alamos, on Saturday, June 26.
Jean's children will always remember her as a loving and caring person, who gave life and kept giving tirelessly so that others could enjoy the fruits of this world. In lieu of flowers, send donations to LA Cares Community Food Bank or the Bethlehem Lutheran Church.
Owen Lee Koontz
July 7, 1920 - May 20, 2010
On May 20, 2010, after a heroic battle with heart disease, diabetes and kidney failure, Owen Koontz passed away peacefully at the Stafford rehabilitation facility in Des Moines, WA surrounded by family. He was 89. Owen will be greatly missed by his two daughters, Debra O'Connell and Darlene Doak and his brother, Douglas Koontz of North Carolina. He is also survived by six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his adoring wife Resia Mae in 2006. They were married 45 years.
Born in Taylorsville, NC, he was placed in Mills Home Orphanage run by the State Baptist church at the age of 6 after his mother's untimely death. At the age of 19 he went to Furman University in SC on a football scholarship playing end and blocking back. However, he always wanted to be a pilot and so in 1942 he left to go to flight school. After receiving his wings he was commissioned to fly WW2 missions in North Africa in a B-26 Marauder. He was shot down three times, the third time over Italy in 1944. He spent the next 14 months in a POW camp in Barth, Germany. After the war he saw that there were too many airline pilots so he went to Communications Officer School. In 1949, he graduated from the Air Force Institute of Technology with honors. He spent the next 10 years working for the Air Force developing and installing navigational systems. In 1955, he received a Master's Degree in Electrical Engineering from Stanford University along with perfecting his golf game. He shot a 64 on the Stanford course. His superior golf skills resulted in a career 8 hole-in-ones and an invitation to the Pebble Beach Pro-Am Tournament in 1966.
He met his lovely wife Resia while working in the aeronautical research lab at Wright Paterson, AFB in Dayton, Ohio. After
22 years in the Air Force with the rank of Lt. Col, Owen retired to San Jose, CA to work on the Gemini and Apollo space projects at the Ames Research, NASA facility in Sunnyvale, CA. In 1981 he fully retired to Port Angeles and then Sequim to relax and mainly play golf at the Dungeness Country Club. He loved to tinker in his garage and could fix most anything. He had a quick wit and was fiercely proud of his service to his country. He will be forever in our hearts.
A grave side service will be held at Mt. Angeles Cemetery on Friday, July 16, at 11 a.m. The family invites friends to join them at Owen's home for a luncheon from 1-3 p.m. to celebrate his life.
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