Name: Little & Sons Funeral Home
Address: Indianapolis, IN

I am so sorry to hear of Gary's passing. He was a wonderful and caring person. His passion for helping others and for helping research into Parkinson's disease was absolutely remarkable. We started the Firefighter's Neurodegenerative Disorders Research Fund at Indiana University, and of course without his insight, efforts, and advice the fund would not exist. I also appreciate all our conversations over lunches, and his help and introductions to Indianapolis Fire Department firefighters that allowed me to know more about their jobs and the daily risks they face; they are truly admirable and honorable people. I also appreciate Gary's sensitivities to a number of issues, and admired his attitude during his long fight with Parkinson's disease. He will truly be missed. My thoughts are with all his family and friends during this difficult time.



Mrs. Coons,

My name is Bryan Hollingsworth and I live in the Richmond Hill subdivision with my wife Heather and our 2 dogs.  We haven't had the privilege to meet you but we have had the privilege to meet Gary on several occasions during the events that took place after the 2012 Richmond Hill tragedy.  Gary was a tremendous source of help for us during the first few days after November 10, 2012.  Our home was one that was on the borderline of being demolished or rebuilt.  Gary was instrumental in getting the City inspectors to take a closer look at our house and determine it needed to be demolished.  Part of the reason we have a new house today is because of your husband.  We are very grateful.  Also, on the day of Mark Leonard's conviction, Gary was driving through Richmond Hill and when he saw us walking our dog (we had one dog at that time) he stopped his car and got out and asked if we needed anything and what could he do for us.  What an outstanding man!  You knew that, though!  Gary handled himself with great demeanor and integrity.  Our City has lost a great man and great leader.  Our loss is quite small compared to your loss and your children's loss of a husband and father.   May God grant His special comfort to you and your family now and the days, months and years to come.  Gary has left a tremendous legacy for your children, one that we in Richmond Hill have been blessed by, too.    People like Gary come into our lives as blessings, even when it's just for a short while,  at just the right time and leave an impact that lasts forever!  

Thank you for sharing Gary with us.  I can speak for all in Richmond Hill when I say, what an outstanding man Gary is!

With deepest sympathy,

Heather and Bryan Hollingsworth
8414 Alcona Drive
Indianapolis, IN 46237

Gary, was a great man.  He was such a great friend as well.  He did not hesitate to help anyone.  His career path showed.  He did so much for us a the Beech Grove Fire Dept.  His time as our Union President, he did amazing things for us!  Though his time at Beech Grove was short, he was always one of us!  We would go awhile without talking or seeing each other but when we did get together, it was just like we saw each other.  The entire Coons family is in our prayers.  This photo was taken the day before he left us at a retirement breakfast at the firehouse!  Gary was in such great spirits that day.  Bragging about his kids and his connections!!  You will not be forgotten!  Ryan Tusing and family  

Gary was a class act and a public official who always did the right thing.  He was willing to "reach across the aisle" in bi-partisan fashion (which is a rare thing these days...).  I was fortunate to work with him, as a State Representative, on Senate Bill 376 (Merritt) back in 2009.  That bill created a presumption that a police officer, firefighter or EMT diagnosed with Parkinson's after being  exposed to certain toxins or trauma had incurred a line-of-duty disability.  Rep. Mary Ann Sullivan was the House Sponsor of the bill and we heard it in the Veterans Affairs and Public Safety Committee where I was the Vice Chair.  The bill passed unanimously through both houses of the Indiana General Assembly.  We will miss Gary Coons.  They don't make them like that anymore.

Dearest Aunt Linda, Tom, Sabine, Patricia, and Grandchildren, 
 
We are all struggling with your great loss. Gary will live on in your hearts, his amazing achievements will be a source of strength, honor, and vision for your future. His extended family was so proud of him. 
Sending love at this difficult time. Cathy 

While it has been years, I watched Gary on TV many times and realized what a wonderful man he had become.  His service to the city and everyone he touched in life will always remain.

Sending condolences to Aunt Linda and cousin Tom and the rest of the family in this difficult time. 

Gary and I graduated high school together, I have nothing but fond memories of Gary, he was always so nice to EVERYONE and he continued his kindness through his life! I struggled with addictions in my past ( i am grateful to say that i have over 7 years clean today). Gary checked on me regularly throughout these past few years, I ALWAYS smiled when I saw him pop up on my FB messanger. Even in his battle he cared enough for me (and many others) to support, encourage and inspire me/us in ours! He told me that I inspired him as well, i think we related in quite a few ways. (Faith, Hope, Strength, Perserverance and the Willingness to fight)!! Gary was such a good... (NO .. GREAT) friend! I will miss him popping up in my messenger, but i know he is still rooting me on from above. His spirit of love, compasion and inspiration, i will hold closely to my heart! Thank you Gary for your "unconditional" friendship! Missed but NEVER forgotten! (((HUGS)))

Prayers and condolences during this sad time. I met Chief Koons through the CERT program.  He inspired me to learn more, do more, help more.  During the last IDHS Damage Assessment class no one could get the screens to work. Lt Peters said I have a guru and in came Chief Koons and on came the screens.  Never too busy to lend a hand or ear. RIP Chief Koons. 

I ask Gary for a poster of Lucas oil stadium  super bowl poster and he tried and tried to print it out, but the printer would not cooperate. I was disappointed; however Gary did not give up. The next day Gary gave me a poster of the stadium signed by Robert Mathis. I was so touched by his determination to get me a poster it is framed and hung in my office. This is the kind of person Gary was. He will be missed.

OBITUARY

Gary Scott Coons

January 15, 1972 – May 13, 2018

Little & Sons Funeral Home

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