“Disability is a matter of perception. If you can do just one thing well, you’re needed by someone.” This was true of Bill Coon, whose will and determination made him a productive member of society every day of his life despite his challenges.
William P. “Bill” Coon, age 80, a lifelong resident of Marion, died peacefully and suddenly on Friday afternoon, December 9, 2011, at his residence after having a wonderful day at work at MARCA Industries.
On October 8, 1931, Bill was born in Marion, Ohio, the youngest of five children of the late Tom and Thelma (Price) Coon. He attended the Glenwood School.
Having an “astounding work ethic”, Bill started working at an early age at his brother-in-law’s moving company, which would become Modern Delivery. He worked there for over 40 years with Dutch and the following owner, Chuck Fausnaugh, where he was a savant with numbers remembering the address of most every house he ever delivered anything to. Not only would he remember the address, he would also remember what he delivered.
After the unexpected death of his boss at Modern Delivery, Bill started working at MARCA Industries, where he enjoyed doing piece work on the main work floor. For over 24 years, he was dedicated to his work there, working till his last day on earth and only talking about retiring one time ever.
Remembering most everything he was ever taught, Bill continued to be a “gentleman” and say “thank you” every day of his life, “because that is how his Mom taught him to be”. He was loved and adored at MARCA for his genuine kindness, and was a member of their senior group.
Having a unique obsession with semi trucks and buses, Bill always wanted to drive to every gas station in town to see who had the cheapest diesel fuel. He also loved riding the MARCA bus, where he was known by the drivers as the “Map Man” because he knew exactly where everyone on the bus lived. If they had to make a new stop, they would ask Bill how to get there because of his knowledge of all of the roads in Marion from his time with Modern Delivery.
A man of faith, Bill enjoyed listening to the Emanuel Lutheran Church Sunday Radio Program for years and years. He also enjoyed listening to the police scanner and cb’ing to the call sign of “Swifty Kid”.
Always “quirky”, Bill was well known for liking things just the way he liked them. He was also very perceptive, noticing even the slightest change in things most any where he went.
He will be dearly missed by his niece, Alicia (Williams) Mayes; and his nephew, Carlton (Cheryl) Williams, both of Marion.
Including his parents, Bill was preceded in death by his three sisters and brother: Thelma (Jack) Lautenslager, Henry “Bud” Coon, Kate (Paul) Willhelm, and Evelyn (Floyd) Williams; and by two nephews: Gary Lautenslager and Larry Mayes.
Bill’s family will greet friends from 4 – 7 p.m. on Tuesday, December 13, 2011, at the Denzer-Farison-Hottinger & Snyder Funeral Home, 360 E. Center St., Marion. Services celebrating his life will be held on Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. at the Emanuel Lutheran Church, 241 S. Prospect St., Marion, with Pastor Mark Schuring officiating. Burial will follow in La Rue Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to MARCA Industries, c/o Break & Outing Account, 2387 Harding Highway E., Marion, Ohio 43302.
The Denzer-Farison-Hottinger & Snyder Funeral Home is honored to have been chosen to serve Bill’s family and condolences may be expressed to them online by visiting www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.
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