Fred M. Coon

Fred Mitchell Coon, 79, of Victoria, Texas passed peacefully on Friday, December 16, 2011, surrounded by his wife and sweetheart of 54 years Hazel Vantreese Coon, and loving family. Fred was born August 6, 1932 in Clarksdale, Mississippi to Clarence Lee Coon, Sr. and Mary Mitchell Coon.

Fred served his country in the US Navy during the Korean Conflict and was stationed at Kingsville, Texas. He attended Texas A&I University in Kingsville where he met his future bride Hazel Vantreese. They were married on August 24, 1957. Fred continued his studies at Mississippi State University and co-owned Coon Radio and TV with his late brother Jesse “Coby” Coon. In 1959, he worked for Univac Corporation as a customer engineer in Baton Rouge, LA. He was promoted to Branch Service Manager in Nashville, TN until 1972, when he moved his family to Victoria. Fred opened the first Radio Shack franchise in Victoria. In 1977, he opened a Lafayette Radio franchise. He then opened the Electronic Center of Victoria in 1981, where he worked until his retirement in 1995. He was a member of the Rotary Club of Victoria.

Fred loved flying. He was an avid member of the Aircraft Owner’s and Pilot’s Association for over 50 years, earning his private pilot’s license in 1955. He earned his instrument rating and became a Certified Flight Instructor. Fred taught many students in the Victoria area and owned several different aircraft over the years. On October 16, 2003, at age 71, Fred and Mark Stolzberg flew Fred’s Grumman Cheetah from John Wayne International Airport (California) to Kitty Hawk (North Carolina), breaking the National and International West to East Transcontinental Speed Record. Fred and Mark were recognized by the National Aeronautic Association in Washington, D.C., in 2004.

Fred was an active member of First United Methodist Church of Victoria, having served in leadership positions and was a Certified Lay Speaker for many years. Fred and Hazel believed in helping others and generously gave of their time and resources.

Fred is survived by his wife, Hazel; daughter Grace Coon Pergament and son-in-law, Fred Pergament of Plano, TX; and daughter Yvonne Coon of Georgetown, TX; grandchildren, Josh Janecek, Nate Gillar, Peter Strandberg, Andrew Strandberg, Raquel Pergament and Tiffany Cochran; brother, Clarence Lee Coon, Jr.; numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Jesse Harris Coon; sister, Grace Coon Adams; and sister-in-law, Ida Sellers Coon.

Monday, December 19, 2011, visitation will be from 5:00-7:00 pm at Rosewood Funeral Chapels.

Tuesday, December 20, 2011, a memorial service will be held at 10:00 am at First United Methodist Church of Victoria with Rev. Jarrell Sharp and Rev. Marilyn Roeder officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to either First UMC-Sanctuary Roof Fund, First UMC-Mission Team Fund, Christ’s Kitchen or the charity of your choice.

Words of comfort and support may be shared at www.rosewoodfuneralchapel.com

Arrangements under the direction of Rosewood Funeral Chapel, Victoria, TX.