James P. Koonce

He was born in Poteau, Ok to Joseph and Sally Koonce. Paul had two sibilings, a twin sister and an older brother. He was married for 69 years to Dorothy Garrett Koonce. They married on July 10, 1939 in Okmulgee, Ok. Paul spent most of his life employed in the construction industry, handling heavy equipment and supervising road crews, eventuallly retiring from the City of Houston as an inspector. He spent most of his married life in Houston except for the time spent in San Diego, CA where he was stationed while in the Navy. He was an active member of Glenwood Baptist church until dementia caused him to quit. Though he did not finish high school, he received his GED in 1970 and was especially proud of the fact that he was ordained as a minister in the baptist church and got great enjoyment preaching anytime the opportunity occurred.

Paul and Dorothy enjoyed traveling and vacationed extensively across most of the United States.

After they retired, Paul and Dorothy were members of the "Slow Pokes" RV club and enjoyed many years of camping and traveling.

Paul is survived by his wife, Dorothy Koonce, Two children, James Glen Koonce and wife Charlene and Deborah Koonce Rawls and husband Clinton, 7 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren and various nephews. He has a twin sister, Katy Pauline who lives in Hobbs, NM. and was preceded in death by his older brother Benjamin Franklin Koonce.

Family will be accepting friends Wednesday, February 6 from 1:30 pm with a graveside service to follow at 3:00 pm at Forest Park East Funeral Home.