Ray Koons Obituary

Ray H. Koons, 76, of 195 Center Road, Lehighton, passed away Saturday, Oct. 6, in his home with his loving and caring family at his side. He was the husband of Mildred J. (Daugherty) Koons. They were married for 52 years this past April 16.Born in Lehighton, he was a son of the late John W.G. Sr. and Arlene (Bartholomew) Koons.
After graduating from Lehighton Area High School, he served our country with the U.S. Marine Corps during the Korean War, attaining the rank of corporal.
He earned his bachelor of science Degree from Kutztown University and later earned his master of science degree from Lehigh University.
Prior to retiring in 1998, he was employed for over 30 years by the Lehighton Area School District as a very respected and dedicated educator/administrator.
He was a member of All Saints Episcopal Church, Lehighton, and held life memberships in the Lehigh Fire Co. No. 1 and Orioles Nest No. 183, both of Lehighton.
Koons was known for his numerous hours of volunteer work in the Lehighton community.
Surviving in addition to his widow are a daughter, Sharon L., wife of Douglas P. Focht Jr., a son, Gregg R., and two grandchildren, Hunter and Brooke Focht, all of Lehighton; and nieces and nephews.
He was also predeceased by two brothers, Glenn R. and John W. "Jake" Jr.
Service: Funeral service 11 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 11, All Saints Episcopal Church, Lehighton, with the Rev. Jane Arrington Bender officiating. Interment with full military honors, Lehighton Cemetery, under direction of Lehighton Area UVO. Call 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, Andrew P. Ovsak Funeral Home, Fourth and Iron streets, Lehighton, and 10-11 a.m. Thursday in the church. Contributions in his name may be made to the church, Second and Coal streets, Lehighton, Pa. 18235, or to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Tribute Program, P.O. Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, Tenn. 38101-9908. Online condolences can be offered at www.ovsakfh.com.

Published by Times News on Oct. 9, 2012.
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Memories and Condolences
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My Heart is broken. Mr. Koons was my favorite teacher! He had a love and compassion for his students. He also held a very special place in my Heart, as he honored my brother Allen at his funeral by giving the ulogy. Allen always treasured Mr. Koons and when we asked him to give the ulogy, he said he felt honored. Never has a teacher touched so many students hearts and gained so much respect in return. God Bless you Mr. Koons and may your family find comfort in loving memories and the gentle healing in God's arms. Loved and Truly Missed! Paula (Shanton) Breiner class of 82

Paula Breiner

October 18, 2012

My thoughts and prayers go out to the Koons family in this time of grief. Please take comfort in knowing that Mr. Koons legacy did not die with his passing but will live on in so many of us that were lucky enough to have been blessed by knowing him. I was fortunate enough to have him as a homeroom teacher as well as a teacher for one of my classes. He would start every day with a true enthusiasm and love of life. His passion for educating and his desire to make the most of every day were inspirational. Mark Harleman Ashland, PA.

October 18, 2012

My deepest sympathy to you and your family, Mr. Koons was a great teacher and role model at LHS. He will be truely be missed.

Cindy Nothstein (Litchauer) - Class of 78

October 16, 2012

Those of us who followed Ray's footsteps and became teachers will forever hold him in the highest esteem as an inspiration and mentor.I still read editorials to this day because of his insistance that his students read writers like Jack Anderson and Art Buchwald. Ray's influence still reaches far beyond the walls of LAHS. May he rest in peace, and God bless his family.

Craig Koons

October 15, 2012

I will always remember Mr. Koons fondly. He treated all students with acceptance and caring. He has left a positive impact on decades of students.... Godspeed Mr. Koons... And thank-you!!

Susan Rudelitch DiFluri

October 13, 2012

As a young student teacher I had the privilege of working with Mr. Koons. After 40 years in education I still remember the respect and caring he displayed for every student. A great teacher and role model who was a positive influence on every life he touched.

James Bonner

October 13, 2012

A teacher who made a big impact! Great guy and walked the walk. He will be missed but never ever forgotten! He taught and earned respect.

Former student-
Annette (Rehrig) Pompa

October 12, 2012

Our deepest sympathy to the family of Ray Koons. He was a great man, and a great teacher whom everyone loved and admired. He will be missed. May God bless all of you at this sad time.

Lamar(1955) & DeeDee Semmel

October 12, 2012

Our deepest sympathy to one grear man. You were an influence on everyone as a teacher and coach. We will never forget you,

Lamar & (DeeDee) Semmel

October 12, 2012

My deepest sympathy to the Koons family. R.I.P Ray Koons.

Jamie Bauder

October 12, 2012

So srry to hear of Mr. Koons passing. I remember him well from my high school days. Always had words of encouragement. RIP ...we have another angel in heaven. class of 1976

Debbie Hinkle-Bridgman

October 12, 2012

You were a great man with the kindest soul. You picked me up when I was at my lowest in high school. You may not have known that but You showed how truely kind you were when my grandfather passed & I was stuck in a room by myself until my parents came. Thank you for all you did for the children of Lehighton. You will be greatly missed.

Lisa Rohlfing

October 12, 2012

Mr. Koons was one of those teachers who cared and made a difference. The world lost a good man and Heaven gained a wonderful angel. Rest in peace Mr. Koons

Karen Flexer

October 12, 2012

He was one of the best men I ever knew so sorry for your loss.

Alicia Sabol

October 12, 2012

Sorry for your loss, I always enjoyed talking to him growing up in Meadow Crest, I will always remember my high school years with him.

Robbie Klotz

October 11, 2012

Ray, Rest in Peace. You were an inspiration to many young people in Lehighton.

Dana Peiffer

October 11, 2012

Rest in peace Mr Koons thank you for all you have done trully a memory that will never be forgotten fly angel fly may God find peace in your familys hearts !!!!!

Theresa DaCosta Keiser

October 11, 2012

Mr. Koons taught us so much about life and character. Not to mention how you know when you're getting old (skin on the back of your hand doesn't spring back after you pinch it!) Gee, I'll have to change all my password clues..Favorite Teacher...Ray Koons! Class of 70

Doris Ripkey Romanisko

October 10, 2012

Gregg,and Family sorry for your loss Ray was one of the best teachers at LHS his motivational speeches and just good nature was instilled in all that knew him. He will be greatly missed but never forgotten.Sorry Deb and I couldn't be there in person.

BRIAN & DEBBIE REHRIG

October 10, 2012

Sharon,
I share your loss as I lost my dad not too long ago. He was a role model for his students and co workers. He will be missed by one and all.
My thoughts are with you and your family at this time.
Lois Nunnermacker

October 10, 2012

I feel honored and blessed to have know Mr. Koons. I called him several times over the years to convey to him what a positive role model he was to my self. I spoke of him to my high school Sunday school class on numerous occasions. We all know that God had a special place for him in Heaven. RIP great servant of the Lord. And thank you for the great example that you were to all of us!

Glenn Shaffer

October 10, 2012

Dear Millie and Family,
We were so sorry to hear of your loss.
He will be missed by many.
Our children loved and respected him as a teacher and a role model.
Our thoughts and our prayers are with you.
Sincerely, Bob and Marlene (Hammel) Fatzinger,Sr.

Bob and Marlene Fatzinger Sr.

October 10, 2012

Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.

Joyce Hunsicker

October 10, 2012

you are gonna be missed you were a good man

brian simmons

October 10, 2012

I can't think of Mr. Koons without recalling, "You gotta read kids, you gotta read" and "Good people do good things". His deamonor was unforgetable. I can recall the true dispappointment and sadness in his face when a student misbehaved or didn't give it their best effort...never angry, always trying to motivate. For over twenty years his words and actions have inspired me, and will continue to do so. My condolences go out to the family of friends of Mr. Koons.

Craig Brophy

October 10, 2012

It was a pleasure to grow up in the same church with you and your family. I was blessed to have you as my homeroom teacher in high school and as one of my favorite teachers. You were wise, caring, fair and honorable. RIP dear soul and peace to your family and my heartfelt sympathy.

Angela Poremba-Shubrick

October 10, 2012

Mr. Koons was the finest model of what a Christian man should be - unafraid to show his love for Jesus Christ and for all people, kind, humble, compassionate. He was my favorite reached in both Junior and Senior High. Over the years I often shared about him in sermons. I am honored and blessed to have had him as a teacher (twice) and to have had him present me for ordination in 1980. I thank God for him and the legacy he has left in the lives of all of us who knew him and loved him. Rev. Kevin G. Bausman, LAHS Class of 1971, Indianapolis, IN

October 10, 2012

Mr. Koons, You were on of a kind. You were an inspiration to me as you were to many others. You helped me get through high school with your many words of wisdom. For that I have been eternally grateful. Thank You for being a great mentor. You will be greatly missed and always remembered.

Beverly Solt

October 10, 2012

There was No greater Mentor than Ray Koons.
I had the privilege to have this man as my Uncle and to know him my entire life.
He was a Loyal husband, Loving Father, Adoring Grandfather, Dedicated Educator, and a Devoted member of his Family. Always the voice of reason with a sympathetic ear and comments of praise for those around him. He had an undying love of his country and his community and unwavering faith in God.
He once said, “There are no bad children” He believed in the good of all people and the power of the human spirit. Always a positive influence to those around him, he was an untiring source of support and optimism.
As the Keynote Speaker at the 2011 Sept 11th Remembrance Service, Ray concluded the service with the following statement: “ God has a plan for our lives and that we should see with our HEART and hear with our HEART Every Day and that will make for a wondrous tomorrow”
God made a wonderful Plan for Ray's Life, Ray lived it, and WE benefited from it.
Rest in Peace Dear Uncle.

Lisa Levendusky

October 10, 2012

So saddened to learn of Mr. Koons passing. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family. What a wonderful instructor and classroom leader. He was truly a general at LHS and the finest of men. To this day I can hear his greetings echo as I would enter his room. He was a mentor to me and friend to our family. May he rest in God's Grace and find joy in His presence. LHS class of '74.

Craig Hunsicker

October 10, 2012

Deepest sympathy. Ray and I spent many happy days as commuting students becoming teachers at KU during the 1960's.

Jerry Dougherty

October 10, 2012

Mr. Koons was a great teacher so involved with all sports and excellent teacher . Always so caring and out going in Lehighton . He will missedy all so sorry for his loss RIP Mr . Koons . To the family sorry for your loss .!!

Judy Schaeffer

October 9, 2012

Mr. Koons was always one of my favorite teachers...his ability to express a point, his kind words, his bright smile....Truly an exceptional man...he will be greatly missed..My thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time. Faith Richards, Class of 81

Faith Richards

October 9, 2012

My deepest sympathy to the Koon's family. Ray was a kind,caring man that touched so many lives. One of LAHS'S finest. He will be missed but not forgotten. LAHS..Class of 70

Nancy Barry-Farkas

October 9, 2012

I had the pleasure of having Mr. Koons as a teacher in 10TH grade and then getting the wonderful opportunity to get to know him as a wonderful, Godly man as a memeber of All Saints Church. He will be missed and never forgotten by many. My deepest and sincerest condolescents to his family.

Tammy (Ahner) Hoffman

October 9, 2012

My sincere condolences to the Koons Family. May your Happy memories of a really Great!!!! person and teacher help you through this time of sadness.

Lisa Mowery-Jerdon

October 9, 2012

Dear Milly and Family,

My heartfelt sympathy to you and your family on the passing of Ray. He was a very special person, always looking out for our students, staff, parents, and community. I always enjoyed working with him when I was at Franklin and East Penn. My thoughts and prayers are with you and yours during this difficult time.

Gloria Bowman, Lehighton

October 9, 2012

Mr.Koons was probably one of the greatest teachers that has ever lived. He loved his students and wanted nothing more than for them to think, reason, and research on their own. I remember him saying on more than one occasion "You gotta read, Kids" He was a true Patriot and a great man. My heart and prayers are with his family at this time.

Darren Barry

October 9, 2012

The world has lost an incredible individual, mentor, leader, and all around great man. Does Lehighton have a Wall of Fame? Ray should be first on this wall if there is none! Words just don't capture the scope of this man's legacy!

Robert Kistler

October 9, 2012

My deepest condolences go out to the Koons family. Mr Koons was one of the few truly gifted teachers of LAHS, and his words and teachings will live on in many of us forever.

Shannon Getz (LAHS Class of '87)

October 9, 2012

Grief can be so hard, but special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.

Paul & Sandee Breiner

October 9, 2012

Mildred and family:
We were so sorry to hear of the death of Ray. He was a very special teacher and human being. He was very easy to talk to and we will all miss him very much. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. God bless you all.
Larry and Maureen Markley

Larry/Maureen Markley

October 9, 2012

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