Thadd Hilton Koonce was born July 16, 1943, to Reva Koonce and Merrida" Red" Koonce in Lenorah. He was the youngest of four boys. His brothers include Gearl Koonce, Earl Koonce, and Roy Koonce. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather brother and friend to many.
Thadd H. Koonce, 77, died Jan. 23, 2021, from an unexpected heart attack. Even though a failing heart took him away from this world, his loving heart left a beacon of light for everyone that was able to be a part of his life.
He graduated from Stanton High School, decided to attend Graceland College in Lamoni Iowa and graduated with a Business Degree. He always had fond memories of college and singing with the Concert Choir at Graceland. Hewas an exceptional musician with a beautiful tenor voice and sang in church, barbershop and different musical performances. He shared his love of music with his daughters and did his best to teach them each how to read music, play the piano, and each of them to continue with music through being a part of music in School.
He was very talented playing the piano whenever he had the chance and loved playing songs that his Dad taught him for family and friends. He enlisted in the Army and served during Vietnam. He was a member of the Community of Christ and held a position of Elder and was the pastor of the congregation in Midland Texas. He was a very devoted and humble Christian and lived his life with humility and he always spoke about living his life as Christ would, and everyone that knew him truly benefited from his spiritual guidance and advice.
His generous, loving and gentle spirit was seen by everyone he encountered, and everyone remembers his amazing smile and his genuine love for Each person. Of all the people he touched in his life, the proudest moment in his life was Marrying his wife, Cindy Ann Koonce, who supported him, loved and cherished every day they spent together for 38 years. This union brought together a beautiful family.
He and Cindy started together a family with love, respect and understanding. The family includes their children and their significant others including Timberle Koonce, Shannon and Albert Andrade, Mitzi and Bobby Meek, Crystal and Rhonda Hayes , Reagon and Brian Welch and Thadd and Cindy's Son Matthew. Each of the daughters extended their family with children of their own. Thadd and Cindy's grandchildren include Arik and Olivia Beagley, Breanna and Andrew Starr, Alexandra Gobin, Bryan Baity, Afton Gobin, Ethan Withrow, Katie Wishart and Kenneth Dowdy, Wyatt Gobin, Eliza Wishart, Caelan Thadd Magee. The love continued with Great Grandchildren Lennon Starr, Kacelyn Buck, Kanton Buck and Meredith Starr.
The Memorial Service was at Bellview Baptist Churchin Midland on Feb. 20.
In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that you make donations to Sacramento Mountain Retreat, Mailed to Sacramento Mountain Retreat, 6508 Anasazi Dr NE, Albuquerque NM, 87111 or Autism Speaks - Autismspeaks. org.