Funeral services will be held at St. Paul United Methodist Church at 2 PM on Wednesday November 8, 2023 with Reverend John Fugh officiating and Dr. Jimmy Elder delivering the eulogy. A private burial will take place at Parkhill Cemetery prior to the service, and visitation for family and friends will be held at St. Paul following the funeral service.
Bob was born in Peterman, Alabama on May 18, 1927 to the late David Clarence Koon and Ila Pearl Johnson as their only child. Along with his late wife Joyce, he was an active member of St. Paul United Methodist Church for over 55 years, was involved in numerous activities, and served the church in many capacities during that time. His areas of professional, civic, non-profit service and engagement during his life are too numerous to mention, but among those he served on the Piedmont Columbus Regional Board of Directors and Foundation Board, the Spring Harbor Foundation, the United Way of Columbus, the American Textile Manufacturers Institute, the Georgia Textile Manufacturers Association, the Columbus State University Foundation, the Columbus Chamber of Commerce and Development Authority, the Talbot County Development Authority, The Valley Partnership, the Georgia Council for Adult Literacy, the Downtown Rotary Club, the Jaycees, and the Miss Georgia Pageant.
Bob enlisted in the U.S. Navy in early 1945 and served until his honorable discharge in mid-1946. He returned to Columbus, joining Swift Textiles in 1947 as a billing clerk, and worked in various capacities until retiring in 1990 as its President and CEO after 43 years of service. He continued his textile career over the next 25 years, first as CEO of QSC Finishing, then as a consultant for Swift Spinning, Marubeni Denim, and Denim North America. Bob loved his family and was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was quick to say that relationships with family and friends were the most important things in his life.
Bob was preceded in death earlier this year by his loving wife of 75 years, Joyce T. Koon. He is survived by his children David T. Koon (Betty), Denise K. Johnson (David), and Keith R. Koon, also five grandchildren Brian Koon (Jenny), Ben Koon (deceased, Laura), Carter Johnson, Walker Johnson, Mack Koon (Alexa), and four great-grandchildren; Hudson Koon, Bryson Koon, Clyde Koon, and Landon Koon.
In a 2007 autobiography, Bob ended his writings with the following statement:
“These are the values, writings, sayings, and beliefs that have helped and supported me.
“This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.” “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” A sense of urgency! Attention to detail! Integrity. Vision. Focus. Enthusiasm. Excellence. Doing the right things. Share the credit. “These times, like all times, are very good once we but know what to do with them.” (R.W. Emerson) “Some see things as they are and wonder why, others see thing that never were and say, why not?” (G.B. Shaw)”
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy for Bob’s family may be shared at www.shcolumbus.com. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Paul United Methodist Church, the Ben Koon Pediatric Oncology Endowment Fund (through the Piedmont Columbus Regional Foundation), or the Alzheimer’s Association of Columbus.
