Richard A. Coon Sr.

PEKIN ~ Richard A. Coon, Sr., 77, of Pekin, passed away at 5:40 p.m. Thursday, January 26, 2023 at UnityPoint Health – Methodist in Peoria. He had suffered a stroke on January 9th. He was known to all as “Coon”.

Born February 11, 1945 in Peoria to Floyd Dawson and Virginia Irene (Wilson) Coon, he married Mary Ellen Landrey on January 26, 1980 in Pawnee. She died November 15, 2021 in Peoria. He also was preceded in death by his parents; one infant daughter; one brother and one sister.

Surviving are three sons, Richard A. “Rique” Coon, Jr. of Pekin, Thomas (Jill) Coon of Kirkland, Washington and Seth Coon of Austin, Texas and four grandchildren, Kiya Coon of Bellingham, Washington, Tyler Coon of Kirkland, Dawson Coon of Peoria and Oskar Coon of Georgetown, Texas.

He served in the United States Army from 1966 to 1969 and served in South Korea following the USS Pueblo capture. He attained the rank of Spec 5 (Sgt.).

Coon was a life member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #3883 in Bartonville, AMVETS Post 64 in Peoria and American Legion Post #1236 in Tremont. For years he served as a VFW Post Adjutant, Tazewell County Council VFW Adjutant and as District 9 VFW Adjutant and later as Commander. He also published many newsletters for various clubs along the way. During his years of service to veterans, he worked with the Veterans Assistance Commission and as Officer of the Day at many Veteran Memorial Services. He was appointed National-Aide-De Camp by the VFW twice.

In addition he held memberships in the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks #626 in Canton, B.A.S.S., A.U.S.A. and Better Breathers Club of Central Illinois.

He was an avid fisherman and enjoyed fishing for bass, channel cat and carp. He especially enjoyed having his sons or grandchildren fishing with him.

A celebration of life gathering will be held from 3 to 6 p.m. Saturday, February 11, 2023 at the Bartonville Veterans of Foreign Wars, where military rites will be accorded at 3 p.m. by the United States Army and the Bartonville Veterans of Foreign Wars. Cremation has been accorded by Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin. Inurnment will be in Elmwood Cemetery, which was his hometown.

Memorial contributions may be made to Tazewell Animal Protective Society, 100 Taps Lane, Pekin, IL 61554.

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com

“If you cannot breathe, nothing else matters.” Coon.