Ward Coon

Ward Smith Coon Obituary

Ward Smith Coon, our loving father, grandfather, and uncle passed peacefully from this life on February 16, 2012. He was born on March 21, 1921, to George Alfred and Florence Smith Coon in Pleasant Green, Utah. Ward grew up in Garfield and had very fond memories of his childhood there. He served his country in WWII under General Mark Clark in Africa and Italy, and dearly loved the Italian people. After his tour of duty, Ward attended BYU where he majored in music. He was passionate about music and the arts. He was a very talented painter and musician and loved exhibiting his paintings, especially of his children. After graduating from BYU, Ward worked for the Tooele Army Depot until his retirement in 1982. He married Jeannine Pack in 1960. They are the parents of four children. They later divorced. Ward was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and served in many callings, most having to do with music. He loved home teaching and getting out and visiting. He enjoyed sharing his love of the arts with his children and would often take them to the opera and symphony. Ward loved the beauties of nature and loved taking care of his, and everyone else’s plants and flowers. He loved walks with his children and would point out all the flowers and tell them their names. He adored animals and got to know every dog and cat in the neighborhood. Ward always had a boisterous “I LOVE YOU” for everyone he met. He will be missed by all who knew him. Ward is survived by his children: Vincent (Deborah) Coon, Salt Lake City; Brett Coon, Salt Lake City, Jenny (Robert) Wright, Richmond, Virginia; and David (Amalia) Coon, Salt Lake City; 11 grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Ward was preceded in death by his parents, and siblings, Vern, Grant, Belva, Bernice, and Madge. Services will be held on Friday, February 24, at 11:00 a.m. Family and friends may gather one hour before the service at Russon Brothers Mortuary located at 255 South, 200 East, Salt Lake City. Burial will be in the Salt Lake City Cemetery. Online guestbook available at www.russonmortuary.com