John Duane Coon

John Duane Coon, 86, passed away on April 1, 2026, at 6:22 a.m. John was born in Freeport, Illinois, on March 9, 1940, to Stanley Merit Coon and Grace Anna Seamons, both of whom preceded him in death, and later made his home in Conroe, Texas, where he lived at the time of his passing.

He was a proud and dedicated United States Navy veteran who served his country with honor. During his service, he sailed aboard the USS Newport News (CA-148), a heavy cruiser, carrying out his duties with pride and commitment.

John lived by the Navy’s unofficial motto, “Non sibi sed patriae” — “Not self, but country.” This principle guided his life, reflecting his deep sense of duty, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to serving others.

Even after his military service, John continued to give back. Each year, he traveled to different destinations to help restore naval ships, dedicating his time and effort to preserving the history and legacy of the Navy he loved. He also faithfully attended every reunion scheduled for the USS Newport News crew, maintaining strong bonds with his fellow sailors.

In his personal time, John had a true gift for gardening and growing food. He maintained a community garden for himself and four others, a reflection of his generosity and his instinct to provide for those around him. He regularly donated produce to his church and shared his harvest with friends and family, always making sure others were taken care of.

John was also a devoted NASCAR fan with a special admiration for Dale Earnhardt. He proudly collected more than 75 NASCAR cars and memorabilia and attended dirt track and NASCAR races whenever he could, enjoying every moment of the sport he loved.

Throughout his life, John was known for his perseverance, his restless spirit, and the love he had for his family and country. He was always on the move and never stopped, embodying a life of constant purpose and determination. His life was marked by service, strength, and commitment, leaving a lasting impression on those who knew him.

He is survived by his loving wife of seven years, Huanxin Yu. He was previously married to Marian Alma Coon, the mother of his three children, with whom he shared 46 years of marriage. He is also survived by his children: Rodney Duane Coon (married to Susan Marie Coon), Kevin Grant Coon (married to Jolie Francesca Coon), and Cynthia Rene' Pieper (married to Brian Keith Pieper); his brother, Stephen David Coon; and his 11 grandchildren: Ryan Haskell Murray, Cherish Nicole Coon (preceded in death), Heather Lynn Coon, Nicholas Grant Coon, Quinton Jonathan Coon, Ashley Rene' Pieper, Brittany Marie Coon, Sarah Elizabeth Pieper, Courtney Allise Coon, Nathan Maxwell Coon, and Hailey Nicole Pieper; and his great-grandchildren: Jackson Royal Coon, Aislynn Jennae Vintila, Olivia Marie Conrad, Aubree Grace Conrad, Luna Marie Jaramillo, and Jhon Jairo Jaramillo. He was preceded in death by his siblings: James Darrell Coon, Harold Lavern Coon, Calvin Edwin Coon, Sandra Lynn Coon, Stanley Vinton Coon, Sharon Irene Coon, and Kendall Rodger Coon.

With heavy hearts, we share the arrangements for a full military honors service to celebrate the life of our beloved John Duane Coon.

We welcome all who knew and loved him to join us in honoring his life and his proud service to our country. John Duane Coon will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Visitation will be held at American Heritage Funeral Home, 10710 Veterans Memorial Drive, Houston, TX 77038, on April 13, 2026, from 10:30 am to 11:30 am.

A Celebration of Life will follow at American Heritage Funeral Home, 10710 Veterans Memorial Drive, Houston, TX 77038, on April 13, 2026, from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm.

A Committal Service will take place at Houston National Cemetery, 10410 Veterans Memorial Dr, Houston, TX 77038, on April 13, 2026, from 12:45 pm to 1:15 pm.