Ronald Carl Coon

Born 4/4/41 - Passed 5/8/20

Joe was born in LaPlace, Illinois. He was a farm boy with 7 sisters and 1 brother. Joe exceled in sports, he played softball in Jr. High School winning the state championship in 1954. He was known for his foot speed and ran track in High School with great success. In 1959 he married his high school sweetheart Norma Weets and started a family. In 1966 they moved to San Diego to find work and Joe became a carpenter. He worked 20 years for Riha Construction becoming a project superintendent before retiring and going into business with Norma at the Frontier Gun Shop in North Park. They ran the shop together for many years. Joe just couldn’t sit still and continued to work at D&D Ornamental Iron then Skyline Church. He finally hung up his bags in 2019 and fully retired and settled into a quiet life with Norma. He left us suddenly and will be missed

He is preceded in death by his wife Norma and son Kenny and survived by sisters Sharon and Ellen, as well as Son Jeff and Daughter Jodi

Grandchildren; Enrique, Tori, Jordan, Taylor, Ben, Riley, Jill, Jeffery, Kenny, Corina

Great Grandchildren; AJ, Sebastian, Caleb, Silas, Isaac, Landon, Henry, Kansas, Nobel, Lilah, Olly, Benson, Emma Lynn (Emmi), Jenson, Orsen, Vera, Xzavier, Kenneth, Laylah and Eden.

We all loved him and will miss him.

Thoughts and feelings from his family

Enrique;

Grandpa wanted people to be happy. He wanted them to feel good. So many visits when I was little we’d go to the store and he’d let me pick out a toy. So, he would tell me from girl to to grown woman how proud he was of me. So, he’d shower my kids, his great grandkids with sweets whenever he saw them. When he visited my first apartment, he brought along a little wooden bear cut-out as a small house warming gift. He looked at me with his familiar, jokingly-serious eyes and said “I expect you to keep this forever”. He didn’t mean it. But that wooden bear has sat in my closet or garden or bedroom or garage for almost 20 years. And every time it catches my eye….and makes me happy.

(Ronald) Jeffery;

I’m sure going to miss our little projects at my Moms, our talks and all the great advise you gave me. I’m not sure I’ll get over this anytime soon but I will try my best. I remember you always told me “not to be sad it’s just a part of life” with that loving smile of yours. You’ve always been way, putting others (especially your grand and great grandchildren) before yourself. I love you grandpa, you taught me how to be a gentleman and I’ll never forget you.

Jeff;

I remember

A bike we were building together in Illinois that was never finished because we left for California. He and I would go to the junk yard and look for parts. All we needed was tires and tubes. I was 6 and 7 years old at the time and remember it very vividly. The family had a 3 day trip with the kids sleeping in the back seat (with no car seats!! How did we survive?).

Playing catch every day when he got home from work. I never thought then that he might be tired. He never complained he just told me to get the gloves. He managed my baseball teams and even when I got too old for him to manage he still came and watched me play.

He taught me how to drive (starting when I was 13) and gave me my first car. He always told the same jokes, over and over and over, lol

I remember camping trips to the desert and the nightly “shows” he would put on for the kids (the Tron’s and Rick Wade will know what I mean). Once he put too much oil in his forks of that old piece of crap Suzuki and they locked up, stiffer than a steel rod, but he still rode it.

He was a loving, gentle man who did the best he could. He was my Dad and I miss him!

Paul;

Joe was patient and taught me about automotive care and construction. He was funny and kind. It was a joy to work with him at the Skyline Church where everyone loved and appreciated him.

Jordan;

What I remember most about my Grandpa is the time he spent with me. He never seemed to busy for his grandchildren. My childhood was filled with fishing at the lake, going to search for baseballs and lots of long walks. He showed me that simply giving your time can be an expression of love and I always felt that love when I was with him. I will miss all his jokes and his kind smile.

Taylor;

It’s hard to think of a memory of grandpa that doesn’t involve him making me laugh.

Jodi;

Papa loved to make everyone smile- he was always the comedian. He taught kindness through his warm caring example. I will always remember how it felt to be carried as a child in his strong arms and all his Dad jokes. Oh so many bad jokes! We love you Papa!!!

Riley;

Grandpa would always make me laugh. Calling me by the wrong name and then flashing me his sly smile. He did this to everyone, but he made it feel like it was just to you. He was always looking to make people smile and laugh.

Genevieve;

Losing someone after 41 years makes it impossible to choose a memory. Ronald Carl Coon was my father in law, my rock and my friend. I could tell him any and everything. Without judgement his love was pure and his words always very kind. Thank you Dad, just for being simply you. You were one of a kind for sure. My children and grandchildren are so fortunate to have had you to look up to throughout their lives. The world has lost a beautiful soul, but knowing heaven has him now is comforting to me. He is together again with his son and wife forever. Dad, Grandpa Joe, I will love you forever.