George Burdette Coon

Hooah • Hooyah • Oorah •
Honor • Duty • Sacrifice •
Honoring All Who Served •

Since the end of World War I - on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918 - military veterans have been honored for their service. Initially, this day honored those who died during WWI and was called Armistice Day until it was broadened in 1954 to celebrate all veterans and was renamed Veterans Day.

Armed Services Day honors those who are currently serving; Veterans Day honors those who are prior military; and Memorial Day honors those who have died while in service.

I have a multitude of prior and active service members in my family including my father, grandfather, great-grandfathers, uncles, one of my daughter’s partner, cousins, nephews, a niece, and a brother-in-law. We have Army, Navy, and Marines. I am also privileged to have many friends who are proud to be prior or present military. Today, I honor my two favorite vets - my dad Burdette (Navy) and my husband Joey (Marines). Thank you for your honor, duty, sacrifice, and service!

Happy Father’s Day! Sharing our love and gratitude with Burdette and Carlos. Whether a father is strict or fun-loving, silent or expressive, present or absent, there are valuable life lessons to learn and absorb. Our fathers were hard-working, practical, intelligent, capable, and stoic men. God bless you both. Missing you both—my dad separated by eternity and Carlos by many miles.
See what great love the Father has lavished on us that we should be called children of God. 1 John 3:1

Today is the U.S. Navy’s 249th Birthday recognizing the brave men and women who have served our country — past and present.

Today I honor my dad, my favorite sailor, who enlisted at 17 years old and served from 1952-1959 discharging at E-6. Aboard the USS Hyades and then the USS Amphion, he replenished destroyers in the Mediterranean during the Suez Crisis, which was an invasion of Egypt by Israel followed by the United Kingdom and France.

Established during the Revolutionary War, the original Continental Navy was formed, disbanded, and then reestablished nearly 10 years later. Today it is the largest and most capable navy in the world, with the highest combined battle fleet tonnage and the world’s largest aircraft carrier fleet.

It’s Burdette week again! My dad would have celebrated 90 years of life today, but he’s already been gone 10 years. Grief is strange, as anyone who has lost someone they love can attest to. Whether it’s been 10 days or 10 years, you never quite fully remember they are gone. You know the finality of what happened but somehow your heart memory is stronger. My dad tried (and often succeeded) in visiting us every year or two, and he called me every Sunday. Even those seemingly meaningless phone conversations now turn out to have been quite meaningful. When I consider what my dad is missing the most, great-grandchildren immediately come to mind. He enjoyed Cruz so much, and now there are five more little critters he would have appreciated visiting. Happy Birthday, dad! I love you. I miss you. Gone but not forgotten...

I miss you so much 10 yrs now and it seems like yesterday . I think of you every day. I love you

Happy Father’s Day! Celebrating and sharing love and gratitude with the two men—Burdette and Carlos—both hard-working, practical, intelligent, capable, handsome, and stoic men who influenced and helped shape me and Joey into the adults, parents, and grandparents we are. God bless you both. My dad gone 10 years now, but we are privileged with Carlos’ presence.
• See what great love the Father has lavished on us that we should be called children of God. • 1 John 3:1

Happy New Year, Dad! When you hold a newborn baby in your arms, gaze up at a star-filled sky, or watch waves crashing in from the ocean, you are reminded of something greater—the Creator. Zulema makes grandchild number four for me and great-grandchild number six for you. I sure wish you were here to enjoy these grands. Cruz is the only one you ever met, and you loved and enjoyed him so much. Now you have Cruz, Nico, Josie, Meleo, Remi, and Zule. They are missing out on you. We are all missing out on you.

Party like it’s 1960! When people prepared and dressed for special occasions with thought, class, and dignity—even with a cigarette dangling from their fingers. My childhood friend Linda recently sent me this photo of my parents. Her mom Betty gave it to her. What a gift! I’d never seen it before. They were at a NYE party at her parent’s house. Good times! There is so much to appreciate in this photo. My parents were still newlyweds full of love, dreams, and youthfulness. They had recently relocated from Brooklyn, NY to Hibbing, MN; interestingly to the Brooklyn section of Hibbing. It was one year before I was born, and two years and seven years before my younger sisters were born. Back when life could sometimes be a bit less complicated and moved at a slower pace. They look healthy and happy, and that makes me satisfied. Happy New Year’s Eve to my parents. May you party in God's presence, once again healthy, happy, and whole! I love you. I miss you.

Merry Christmas, Dad. Love you. Miss you.

It has been awhile since I sent you a message. I fell broke my wrist and shoulder so I was laid up cuz it was my right. Then after healing I fell again and tore up my left arm, so I´m not allowed to go alone someone has to go with me. That´s my news. I want to wish you Happy Birthday and let you know I still miss you very much and love you. I hope your enjoying yourself. Love you. Connie

This is my favorite photo of my dad. It´s from his Brooklyn, NY taxi driver ID. I often view this photo when he comes to mind. Today is the day he passed - nine years now. It continues as a bittersweet time: Father's Day, his death, his birth all acknowledged within days of each other.

I so miss my dad. Particularly, our conversations. He was one of the most pragmatic people I ever had the privilege of knowing. I respected and appreciated his no-nonsense attitude, discipline, and strength. My dad caused the childhood years to be rough, and we didn't speak for a few years after I left home as a young teen. When we reconciled, we came back together not just as father and daughter, but also as friends. I am incredibly thankful for that fresh start. It was such a gift. I valued him and his life experiences - successes and failures. My dad owned up to himself, and at the time of his death, he hadn't had a drink in 33 years. He ended by providing an amazing example of love, priorities, dedication, and redemption.

When my dad passed from this life, he left a big void in mine and my family´s. Until I see you again, dad...

Happy Father’s Day to the three most important fathers in my world.
My dad, Burdette, who helped give me life. I miss you.
My husband, Joey, who helped give me children.
My son-in-love, Scottie, who helped give me grandchildren.
I love and appreciate you all.

Merry Christmas, Dad. I love you, and I miss you.

Happy Birthday, Dad! You almost got a birthday twin, and she's one year old now. You would have really enjoyed Remi and her little facial expressions and frowns. lol We all miss you!

I still miss you very much. I think about you every day I sure would like to talk to you and get your famous advise. I love you .

With love and remembrance from me, Aunt Connie and Aunt Marianne

This is such a strange week for me eight years now. Father's Day (today), my dad's passing (06/24), and his birthday (06/27) within days of each other. It always feels difficult and surreal, so I do one post to honor him for all of his days. It's also strange, because I see so many posts of people elevating their fathers to hero status, and I didn't have that kind of relationship with my dad. We didn't develop a good relationship until after I'd become a parent myself. Perhaps, it wasn't until that time that he was ready to be a parent too. He'd conquered his drinking by then and was evolving into an amazing person who became my friend as well as my father, a great father-in-law to Joey and a loving grandfather to Lina and Tasha. I often reflect on how my dad impacted and influenced me, and I realize he gave me one of the greatest gifts anyone could give: he believed in me. I miss him and his practical and logical perspective. My dad didn't say much, but when he did, it was worth listening to. I miss our weekly conversations. We almost always agreed on everything, and that was incredibly affirming for me. We talked about family, my genealogy discoveries, being self-employed, construction, housing, travel, goals, world events, the weather, and gas prices. I had my dad for 52 years, and I am eternally grateful. Dear Lord, for those whose fathers are no longer with them, please give them joy today in wonderful memories. Thank you for blessing me with my dad, and thank you also for being our loving, heavenly Father. Amen.

Happy Resurrection Sunday, Dad! I miss you but look forward to meeting up again in eternity. "I believe... the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting."

Happy New Year 2022 in Heaven, Dad! The view must be amazing from there... I love you! I miss you!

Merry Christmas... love you and miss you.

A special thank you to all who have served and sacrificed to maintain our freedom and to assist with liberties, safety and humanitarian needs in other countries. In particular, I want to thank those that have experienced service in times of conflict. There are SO many vets in mine and Joey's familiesincluding the two of usand it's an honor to know that we are part of a people exhibiting patriotism, courage, conviction and selflessness. My dad enlisted in the United States Navy in 1952 at the age of 17 and served in the Suez Crisis in 1956. He discharged in 1959 with the rating E-6. As pictured here, he was an active member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars with VFW Post 8510 of Hibbing, Minnesota and participated in many civic and military activities including parades and color guards. Thank you, dad! I miss you.

Today is the U.S. Navy's 246th Birthday recognizing the brave men and women who have served our country past and present. Today I honor my dad, my favorite sailor, who enlisted at 17 years old and served from 1952-1959 discharging at E-6. Aboard the USS Hyades and then the USS Amphion, he replenished destroyers in the Mediterranean during the Suez Crisis, which was an invasion of Egypt by Israel followed by the United Kingdom and France.

Happy Birthday, Dad! This is a bittersweet time of year: Father's Day, your passing and your birthday all acknowledged within days of each other. I know you're enjoying eternity, and I like to think you're doing something you loved that you couldn't do the last few years in this realmlike riding your motorcycle. I can't think of you without remembering the many trips you made over the years from Minnesota to California. I know it was a long trip, but I also know how much you enjoyed those rides. Joey, the girls and I loved your visits, having you stay here at our home, and all the different things we would do and see. You were always game for pretty much anything, and I appreciated that. I am so glad you got to meet and hold your first great-grandchild, Cruz, during your last trip to California. Now, there are four more greats - Nico, Josie, Meleo and Remi! This photo was almost exactly 12 years ago when you were still strong and riding. This is how I remember you. Thank you for the memories, Dad. I love you, I miss you, I wish you a Happy Birthday!

This is one of my absolute favorite photos of my dad. Such a handsome fella! It's his taxi driver ID photo from when he lived in Brooklyn, New York after he and my mom married. I think of my father every day, I replay little conversations with him or relive moments; but especially todaythe anniversary of his deathhe plays heavy on my mind and heart. I sure do miss my dad. I especially miss our conversations. We always found something interesting to talk about, and as each year passesthis makes seven nowI think about the things he is missing out on. Several of his children and grandchildren have experienced major life accomplishments and milestones such as high school and college graduations, career changes, interstate moves and new homes. He has a lot to be proud of! And then there are the babies. When he passed, my dad had one great-grandchild that he enjoyed immensely; now there are multiple. I will continue to hold my thoughts and my memories of my father close to my heart. And I will continue to build the list so that when we see each other again, we can catch up on these new and interesting events.

This is my dad's week! First Father's Day, then the anniversary of his passing, and finally the celebration of his birthday. I think of my father every single day, more heavily in June, and then more frequently during Burdette Week. I miss you, dad! I love you! A special thank you to my father's sisters, my aunts Connie Bielecki and Marianne Haverkost who are always there for me with anything involving him. Thank you for helping me remember and honor my dad on special occasions with headstone decorations. I appreciate and love you both.

Happy Father's Day! Celebrating and sharing gratitude with the two men... Burdette and Carlos... hard-working, practical, intelligent, handsome and stoic fathers who helped us become who we are. God bless you both. • See what great love the Father has lavished on us that we should be called children of God. • 1 John 3:1

Today is the U.S. Navy's 245th Birthday recognizing the brave men and women who have served our country past and present.

Today I honor my dad, my favorite sailor, who enlisted at 17 years old and served from 1952-1959 discharging at E-6. Aboard the USS Hyades and then the USS Amphion, he replenished destroyers in the Mediterranean during the Suez Crisis, which was an invasion of Egypt by Israel followed by the United Kingdom and France.

Established during the Revolutionary War, the original Continental Navy was formed, disbanded, and then reestablished nearly 10 years later. Today it's the largest and most capable navy in the world, with the highest combined battle fleet tonnage. The Navy also boasts the world's largest aircraft carrier fleet, over 300,000 active personnel, and nearly 100,000 in the Ready Reserve.

I still miss you very much. I will always love you.

It has been 6 years, and I still miss you. I loved our visits, and how it made us laugh when my neighbors thought you were my boyfriend cuz Ted was gone a lot working, and you came on your motorcycle. I love you. Happy Birthday also.

Six years. Doesn't seem that long and wish I could turn it back to year 7 or more. I miss chatting and I know Soph does too. You were a good grandpa to her. For that I'm thankful. She has good memories. Much love. Us

Thinking of you and remembering summers when you would visit. It would be so nice To see and chat again. I know Soph feels this way. I hope some day we can. Love you, Stace and Soph

This week is my dad's week. Father's Day (06/21/20), his passing (06/24/14), and his birthday (06/27/34). I always struggled with Father's Day and his birthday. Greeting cards are so sappy; all about how a father is a hero who always protected and loved you. But growing up with my dad was often difficult; certainly complex. He worked hard, but he also drank hard. It seems I should be able to recall a time when things were bright, calm, happy and healthy, but I do not. I left when I was in high school, and we were estranged for a long time. Years later, after he dried out, my dad contacted me. He was different, but so was I. Still a little rough around the edges, he apologized and was honest about his failures. We talked about family history and breaking the cycle. He desired to move forward instead of dwelling on the past, and I did too. I respected his courage and vulnerability. I believed him. It took time, but eventually we developed a valuable relationship and a rich friendship. My dad was incredibly intelligent, sensible, hardworking, stoic, set in his ways, occasionally terse, and somewhat reclusive. I understood. He trusted me, and I appreciated that deeply. And he was strong! To give up a lifetime of alcoholism without assistance or relapses and to endure cancer and treatment for years revealed amazing character. Rarely did my dad tell me he was proud of me or loved me, but that was fine. I accepted him in his comfort zone. I knew how he felt, and that was enough for me. I was honored to be his daughter then, and I am honored to be his daughter now. A daughter who very much takes after her father. Happy Father's Day and Happy Birthday to my much-missed dad, Burdette Coon.

V E T E R A N • • •
Honor • Duty • Sacrifice • Honoring all who served
Since the end of World War I - on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918 - military veterans have been honored for their service. Initially, this day honored those who died during WWI and was called Armistice Day until it was broadened in 1954 to celebrate all veterans and was renamed Veterans Day. Armed Services Day honors those who are currently serving, Veterans Day honors those who are prior military, and Memorial Day honors those who have died while in service. Today I honor my two favorite veterans - my dad Burdette (Navy) and my husband Joey (Marines).
Thank you for your honor, duty, sacrifice and service!

Happy birthday in heaven Dad. As always missing you and our chats. We love you, Stace and Soph xo

B U R D E T T E • • •
Happy Birthday to my father Burdette who would have been 85 years old today! I am blessed to have photos that celebrate my dad, including this one with his proud mom. He was the eldest of six, and as such, exhibited many of the traits of firstborn children. As the leader of the pack, he was: reliable, conscientious, structured, cautious, controlling, and an achiever. He was diligent and wanted to be the best at everything he did. Yep! I so miss our conversations. We talked about family, world events, being self-employed, construction, housing, travel, goals, my genealogy discoveries, the weather, and gas prices. Every week he asked me what our gas prices were, and every week I told him I didn't know; I just filled her up. lol We almost always agreed on everything, and that was incredibly affirming for me. It seems I miss him more each day, but especially on special days like today. June is rough... so rough. We celebrate Father's Day, the anniversary of his passing and then his birthday - all within days of each other. Unable to enjoy those conversations any longer, I'll just continue to be the best daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, niece, cousin, godmother, employee, employer, friend, and person that he instilled in me to be. This is my gift to my father. Happy Birthday Dad!

"Parents aren't the people you come from. They're the people you want to be, when you grow up." • Jodi Picoult

P A N T H E R • • •
My dad Burdette was one cool cat. Pink Panther was his thing; his CB handle at one point. lol I look at him in this photo taken in the early seventies with his pork chop sideburns, Navy tattoos, cigarette, gold chain, pressed jeans and station wagon with the custom painted bug shield, and come on now... He knew what was up! My father knew who he was and what he was about.

Today is five years since my dad passed away. Geez. Already. Every day I think of him. Every day I miss him. I thank God I had such a wonderful relationship with my father, and that Joey enjoyed a special bond with him as the son my dad never had. He loved Lina, Tasha and Cruz so much; but unfortunately, never got to meet and hold Nico (or laugh at his craziness lol). His passing was a tremendous loss. Thinking and loving my dad today and every day. Until we meet again in heaven...

Hey there Dad. Thank you for showing me what life can be and should be in a world of new beginnings. You are the one that keeps me grounded today. You help me to find myself. I know you're with me on this journey. I love you. Thank you for never judging but open to understanding and showing me there is a light in the darkness. Miss you

It is now 5 yrs doesn't seem like that long. I sure miss you so much to tell you Tyson still talks about how awesome you are. I love you

Hi Dad, boy are you missed. Soph frequently mentions you. Just glad we had the time we did and got to know one another better. Love you. Stace

F A T H E R • • •
One of the biggest gifts my father gave me was that he didn't tell me how to live; he lived and let me watch him do it. Fortunately, I learned the lessons good and bad. Sometimes people have the courage to change and to apologize and make up for lost time. That was my dad. He believed in me and helped me believe in myself. I may not be the best, but I know I have it in me to be somebody in this world. Not because I'm so different from my father, but because I'm so much like him. Happy Father's Day, Dad. I miss you

N A V Y • • •
Celebrating the 243rd birthday of the US Navy today! Celebrating my favorite sailor ~ my dad George Burdette Coon. Here he is receiving his advancement to SM1 Signalman First Class aboard the USS Amphion on June 16, 1959. Thank you for your service dad. I miss you!

T H O U G H T • • •
My first thought this morning was that today is my dad Burdette's birthday. After a person is gone, their birthday still belongs to them. Right? Right! I think every birthday celebrated with a loved one is a great gift, which you truly realize once they are gone. Birthdays and special occasions bring forth sweet memories, but when it's the memory of someone who has passed away, it also brings forth a lot of other thoughts and emotions. Sigh Do you ever wonder if your loved ones celebrate birthdays in heaven? Do they have big cakes with candles on them? lol Maybe they don't need any candles since Jesus is the Light. I don't know if birthdays are celebrated in heaven, but I do know there are parties, and feasting, and family! Joy and happiness. No illness, or pain, or frustration. And that is quite the birthday gift right there! Happy Birthday to my dad! Whole and healthy in heaven 84 years after his physical birth. Love you dad! Miss you!

I thought of you today but that is nothing new
I thought about you yesterday and the days before that too
I think of you in silence, I often speak your name
All I have are memories and your picture in a frame
Your memory is a keepsake from which I'll never part
God has you in his arms, I have you in my heart
• Unknown

Happy Birthday Dad I love you

M A R V E L • • •
Today is the day my dad Burdette passed, and it is surely a bittersweet time of the year: Father's Day, his passing and his birthday all acknowledged within days of each other. This is the fourth year I've had to think about that dying part, and I don't like it. Not one bit... but I hope for the best. I like to think he's enjoying eternity and doing something he loved - like reading! My dad was a voracious reader, both of my parents were, and I can't thank them enough, for I surely inherited my love of reading from them. Although neither one of my parents graduated high school, they were two of the most intelligent people I've ever met, and I attribute some of that to reading. My dad liked to consume spy and military novels as well as multiple magazine subscriptions, typically about classic cars and trucks.
This photo is one of my favorites and was taken circa 1945, so he would have been about 10 or 11 years old. He'd probably be tickled to learn that Marvel comic characters are enjoying a renaissance these days. lol Thank you for the memories, Dad. I love you and I miss you!

It has been 4 years since you left us, I still have a hole in my life, I would like to talk to you so much to tell you. In a few days it is your Birthday you would be 84. Rest In Peace brother love you

F A T H E R • • •
It takes an incredibly special person to be a father, and today I honor the three most important fathers in my life - my dad Burdette, my husband Joey, and my son-in-law Scottie. I am so thankful for the amazing and steadfast men you matured into. Each one of you has impacted my life tremendously as well as the lives of the most important people in the world to me: my children and grandchildren. My dad wasn't always there for me, but he gave me the greatest gift anyone could give another person, he believed in me. And there came a time in my life when I had grown and healed enough that it didn't matter who my father was, it mattered who I remembered he was. My dad is gone but never forgotten. A real man loves his wife and places his family as the most important thing in the world. I see that with Joey and Scottie. I find that the value of men is extremely under-rated these days, and I want you both to know that you are loved and appreciated more than you will ever be able to comprehend. I feel for the children that don't have the presence, care, and influence of a father or a suitable father figure. Cheers to you José M Torres and Scott Heather and all the men standing in the fold and fulfilling their duties and obligations as husbands, fathers, and stepfathers. We all reap the benefits. I celebrate you! Happy Father's Day! I love you all!

Happy Veterans Day Dad! Thank you for your service!

Happy Birthday, Dad! This sure is a bittersweet time of year regarding this special guy: Father's Day, his death and his birthday all acknowledged within just days of each other. In fact, we held my dad's funeral on his 80th birthday. This is the third year I've had to think about that dying part, and I don't like it. Not one bit... Instead I like to think my dad is doing something he loved that he couldn't do the last few years - like painting! My dad was a residential painting contractor, and he did absolutely beautiful work. He was a skilled perfectionist and took immense pride in his workmanship. His father had his own business, Range Painting and Decorating, and my dad worked for him. Eventually, he started his own business, Coon Brothers Painting and Decorating, which he worked with his brother Dennis. This is one of my favorite photos of my dad. He was about 11 years old and obviously had that painting bug early. Thank you for the memories, Dad. I love you, I miss you, I wish you a happy birthday!
George Burdette Coon • 27 Jun 1934 • 24 Jun 2014

Happy birthday Dad sending love now and everyday❤

B U R D E T T E • • •
This is one of my absolute favorite photos of my dad. Such a handsome fella! I think of my father each and every day, I replay little conversations with him or relive moments, but especially today - the anniversary of his death - he plays heavy on my mind and heart. I sure do miss him. I especially miss our conversations. We always found something interesting to talk about, and as each year passes - and this makes three now - I think about the things he's missing. For 2017, the biggest events he's missed in my family are the birth of his second great-grandson and his granddaughter Natasha's graduation with her BS degree. He sure did enjoy spending time with Cruz and talking to him on the phone, and I know he would have enjoyed meeting Nico too. My valued education, and I know he would have been extremely proud of Tasha. I'll keep holding my thoughts and my memories of my dad close to my heart and continue to build the list so that when we see each other again, we can talk about all of these new and interesting things!
George Burdette Coon • 27 Jun 1934 • 24 Jun 2014

Think about you all the time. We love you.

I miss you

3yrs. how time flys but I still miss you as much as if it was yesterday,it is hard not to be able to call you I have so much to tell you. I love you brother. Connie

V E T S • • •
A special thank you to all who have served and sacrificed to maintain our freedom and to assist with liberties, safety and humanitarian needs in other countries. In particular, I want to thank those that have experienced service in times of conflict. My dad enlisted in the United States Navy in 1952 at the age of 17 and served in the Korean War Suez Crisis in 1956. He discharged in 1959 with the rating E-6. As pictured here in this photo, he was an active member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars with VFW Post 8510 of Hibbing, Minnesota and participated in many civic and military activities including parades and color guards. Thank you for your service dad! I miss you!

Happy birthday Dad. Wish you were here. Love you xo

Happy Birthday, Dad! This sure is a bittersweet time of year regarding you: Father's Day, your passing and your birthday all acknowledged within days of each other. This is the second year I've had to think about that dying part, and I don't like it. Not one bit... but I hope you're enjoying yourself. I like to think you're doing something you loved that you couldn't do the last few years - like riding your motorcycle. I can't think of you without thinking about how many trips you made over the years from Minnesota to California on your bike to visit us. I know it was a long trip, but I also know that you enjoyed it, and we had such a good time when you were here. Joey and the girls and I loved your visits and having you here at our home and all the different things we would do and see. You were always game for pretty much anything, and I appreciated that. And I'm so glad you got to see your first great-grandchild before you passed. That was your last trip to California... This photo was taken almost exactly 10 years ago when you were still strong and riding, and this is how I remember you. Thank you for the memories, Dad. I love you, I miss you, I wish you a happy birthday!

My dear brother, i can't express how much I miss you. I think of you everyday...love you.

Two years but it seems like yesterday , I miss you very much . Love you. Connie

Missing you Dad

F A T H E R • • •
Happy Father's Day to you in heaven. Thank you for always believing in me. You weren't a big talker, but when you had something to say it was worth listening to. You were practical, intelligent, handsome and handy, and a forgiving person. Except I think you often had a hard time forgiving himself. It's ok, dad. They say girls grow up to marry men like their father, and I can see how that can be true. Joey is a lot like you. Thank you! I miss you!

Happy Father's Day Dad. I love you and miss you very much. Man I really do miss you.

Happy Fathers Day Dad❤Love and miss you.

Hey Dad......Man ummm I MISS you..... Love you. Lisa