David Coonce

David Coonce died May 24th at his home in Bloomington, IN. He was born in Indianapolis, Indiana on the day that Nixon announced his resignation, giving his mother two reasons to be very happy.

He leaves behind his beloved son Abraham James Dougherty-Coonce (Abe), ex-wife Katherine Marie Dougherty (Kate), girlfriend Erica Isaacson, sister Emily Moreno, mother Kathey Coonce, father Edward Coonce, and countless friends, coworkers, and adoring fans who are forever enriched by his time on this earth.

David moved to Columbus, IN just before middle school. There he developed lifelong friendships and a love for punk music. Before leaving high school he ventured alone to Olympia, Washington to a burgeoning riot grrrl/punk scene that shaped his worldview and sparked a love of travel and pen pal friendships he maintained throughout his life. After high school, he attended Ball State University studying in the theater program and collected more lifelong friends, more awesome weirdos playing music and attending shows.

It was in Bloomington, IN where David found his special purpose, actively supporting the DIY punk scene, starting an independent record label, and releasing music by his friends. He wrote personal narrative zines which were recently compiled into a book, Lucky #12, edited by his mother Kathey and designed by his girlfriend Erica. He played in a band that toured the US and released several records. He supported thousands of bands, attending their shows and buying music and making friends.

David was known for a time as “The Mayor of Bloomington” due to the innumerable friendships he cultivated. His brief tenure as a stand-up comedian was, like that of Andy Kaufman, brilliantly confusing and always hilarious. His bombastic sense of humor was always on; you never knew if he was speaking his own words or quotes from The Simpsons, The Jerk, or an old prank phone calls tape. He developed a passion and talent for cooking, always boasting the most popular dishes at potlucks and working in local restaurants over the last 25 years. He was a voracious reader, trivia whiz, hula hooper, blooper connoisseur, pants-splitting dancer, serious baseball aficionado, and a die-hard Padres fan.

In 2006 he married Kate Dougherty, finding a like-minded woman grounded in intellect, humor, feminism, and a share passion for food and Garfield t-shirts. They welcomed their son, Abraham James, in May 17, 2011.

David openly struggled with addiction, anxiety, and depression. A man who was friendly, loving, and respectful to everyone struggled to mirror back that same love to himself. His loved ones, which are plentiful from coast to coast, feel his loss deeply. They recount the formative years they could not have endured without his compassion and ability to listen and commiserate. The people he called friends were graced with a feeling of closeness, respect, and guaranteed gregarious heart-healing laughter.

His last day was spent with his loving partner and kindred spirit, Erica. They had lunch with her grandmother and played a game of Scrabble (which he won). They went to the IU greenhouse to see the progress of the agave blooms he had been watching. They made spring rolls for dinner and talked of deep, silly, and random things. They were content. Loved to the end, David is a legend that will be quoted, referenced, and revered for decades to come.

In lieu of flowers, the family request support be given to his son Abe Dougherty-Coonce:

https://www.gofundme.com/ufy5p5

Deremiah-Frye Mortuary, 700 W. Gourley Pike, Bloomington, Indiana was entrusted with arrangements.

Online condolences may be given to the family at DeremiahFryeMortuary.com