Norman Lamar Koonce

On March 22, 2022, Norman Lamar Koonce, 89, heard words very similar to those spoken to the faithful servant in Jesus' parable, "Well done, my good and faithful servant. Welcome. Let's celebrate together."

Norman was born on December 25, 1932, in Flora, Louisiana, to Philip Anderson Koonce and Martha Elizabeth Montgomery Koonce. He was the youngest of seven siblings and grew up in Natchitoches, Louisiana. When he expressed an early interest in architecture, his parents nurtured that interest by allowing him to design their family's new house while he was in 7th grade.

Norman was involved in student government in high school and excelled in sports and academics. Norman then attended Louisiana State University, where he played basketball, participated in ROTC, and was a member of Tau Beta Pi honor society and Kappa Sigma fraternity while earning his B.S. degree in Architecture/Engineering. In 1954, Norman married his college sweetheart, LSU beauty Suzanne Cooper. Theirs was a union that lasted nearly 68 years. Upon graduation, Norman completed a United States Air Force tour that included studies at the Air Force Institute of Technology.

While in architecture school at LSU, Norman developed a friendship that led to architectural practice with classmate Tom Knight. Knight and Koonce and Associates Architects in Bogalusa, Louisiana, was established in 1961. Theirs was a diverse practice of religious, educational, and commercial projects extending over 28 years.

In 1964 he was recognized as Young Man of the Year in Bogalusa, LA. Also, in Bogalusa, he was an active member of Kiwanis International, chairman of the city planning commission, co-authored the city's home-rule charter, and led city economic development efforts while serving on the state Governor's Committee of One Hundred. In addition, he was a director on the board of a local bank. Norman was involved in many roles at First Baptist Church of Bogalusa and instilled the importance of his faith to his four daughters from an early age.

Norman was an inspired advocate for design that elevated and enriched the human experience. At dedication ceremonies for his projects, he often pointed out design elements that he hoped would inspire and enrich life experiences. For example, at a church dedication, he once said, "A building should never be an object of worship, but I hope it will aid in stimulating an atmosphere conducive to worship." Norman also felt wooden crosses spoke so profoundly of the resurrection story that he always included them when designing churches. Norman gifted three of his church projects with hand-hewn crosses crafted by his own hands.

Norman served in multiple state and national positions in AIA, including President of AIA Louisiana, director on the National Board, and national vice president. These successful involvements in state and national positions led to his recruitment as the President of the American Architectural Foundation, based in Washington, DC. While in this position, he oversaw a restoration of the historic Octagon House. He was the 1998 recipient of AIA's Edward C. Kemper Award for continued and significant service to the organization and winner of AIA Louisiana's Medal of Honor in 2000. In addition, he was named an Outstanding Alumni of LSU in 2004, and the Norman L. Koonce FAIA Scholarship Fund was established at LSU in that same year.

Norman served as AIA's EVP/CEO from 1999 to 2005. During this time, several key accomplishments defined Norman's leadership, including achieving financial stability for the organization, responding to 9/11, and developing a new generation of electronic contract documents. At his retirement, the AIA's Board of Directors noted that "his actions embodied the noblest traditions of the AIA and his profession."

Koonce served on the national boards of the St. Paul's Cathedral Trust in America; the Interfaith Forum on Religion, Art, and Architecture; the Associates' Board of the Wolf Trap Center for the Performing Arts; the Boyer Center for Advanced Studies, and the National Center for Preservation Technology and Training.

Norman retired in 2005, but he continued to serve his profession. He was selected to serve on the executive committee of the College of Fellows, an organization that speaks to exceptional work and contributions to architecture and society. His service culminated with being the Chancellor of the College of Fellows in 2012. In recent years Norman enjoyed woodworking and spending time with family and friends.

According to colleagues, Norman was one of a kind who touched many lives and left an indelible impression. He was strong, kind, and gentle to those who experienced his leadership.

Norman loved his family deeply and provided for them well. In addition, he was humble, intelligent, and had a keen sense of humor.

Norman was preceded in death by his parents, Phillip A. and Lizzy Koonce; one brother, Philip A. (Bea) Koonce; and five sisters, Viola Koonce; Gladys Koonce; Eunice (Rodgers) Nowlin; Helen (Wayman) Ham; and Edith (Homer) Ramsey. He is also preceded in death by his daughter, Lanae Koonce McCormick, and son-in-law, Dr. Hal Fletcher.

Norman is survived by his wife, Suzanne Cooper Koonce of Potomac Falls, VA, and three daughters, Lauren Fletcher of Orange Park, FL, Larke (Dr. Billy) Ready of Purvis, MS, and LeAnne (Gary) Poindexter of Sterling, VA. Twelve grandchildren also survive "Granddaddy," Dr. Christopher (Brittney) Bond, Amanda (Brantley) Oursler, Jason Fletcher, Joshua (Jill) Fletcher, Mallory (Brandon) Anderson, Dr. Alice McCormick, Clayton (Cleo) Ready, Joel (Cadie) Fletcher, Dr. Laura (Mason) Dixon, Caroline (Dr. Lee) Jones, Bryan Poindexter, and Adam Poindexter. Fourteen great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews also survive.

A celebration of Norman's life will be in Baton Rouge, LA, Saturday, April 2, at Green Oaks Funeral Home & Memorial Park. Visitation will be from 11 am-2 pm, with the service at 2 pm. Graveside services and a reception will follow – all at Green Oaks. In place of flowers, memorial donations given to the Norman L. Koonce, FAIA Scholarship Fund https://lsufoundation.org/normankoonce, Alzheimer's Association, or Samaritan's Purse would be very meaningful.