Ralph T. Koonce

Ralph T. Koonce, 93, of Washington, passed away Monday, May 12, 2014 at his home with his family at his side. Ralph was born on May 18, 1920 in Mounds, IL to Edgar and Christina Beaver Koonce. He married Winifred L. "Winnie" Butler on June 6, 1945 in Bylthesville, AR. After 64 years of a loving marriage, Winnie preceded him in death on April 14, 2009. Ralph?s surviving family members include two daughters, Irma Lee (Charles) Robbins and Ruth Ann (Don) Conley and a daughter-in-law, Sharon Koonce, all of Washington. Ralph was blessed with eight grandchildren, Bill (Stacy) Koonce, Tony Robbins, Melissa Conley, Angie (Andy) McGrath, Jenny Koonce, Susan (Alonzo) Williams, Jeremy (Sam) Robbins and Chris Koonce. He not only treasured and enjoyed spending time with his eight grandchildren, but was able to enjoy having 16 great grandchildren as well. He is also survived by one sister, Dorothy Davis, of Beloit, WI. Ralph was preceded in death by one son Ralph (Butch) Koonce on September 25, 2012; two brothers, Harry and Charles Koonce and four sisters, Lena Voigt, Hazel Robertson, Helen Mode and Mary Arbon. Ralph spent a lifetime being a devoted and caring husband, father and true friend to many community members. Ralph worked at Caterpillar for 33 years when he retired in 1980. He spent many years as a general contractor, building homes in his community and helping community members whenever the need arose. He spent his lifetime helping friends and family and will be missed by everyone who had the pleasure of getting to meet him. Funeral services will be held on Friday, May 16, 2014 at 10:30 am at Mason-White Funeral Home in Washington with Pastor Jim Gorby officiating. Burial will follow in Hillcrest Memory Gardens, south of Washington. Visitation will be on Thursday from 4:00 ? 8:00 pm and one hour prior to services on Friday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to either Northern Tazewell Fire and Rescue or the Susan Komen Foundation. Condolences may be made at www.masonfuneralhomes.com.