George E. Coon

George E. Coon passed away peacefully at his home with his son and daughter by his side after living a truly remarkable life. Born in Pentwater, Michigan at the start of the Great Depression, he was the third oldest of eight children in a loving, but impoverished family. He attended Pentwater schools, playing varsity basketball and baseball all four years of high school. This began his lifelong love of sports, which included winning medals for running races into his 80s. He picked cherries in his youth and worked in a meat market to fund his higher education. His first teaching position was as the sole teacher and janitor in a K-8 one-room schoolhouse in Weare Township, MI. He earned his BA and Masters degrees from Western Michigan University, and his Doctorate of Education from Wayne State University. He was 1 of 12 nationally chosen for post-doctoral research in Behavioral Sciences at NYU. He served on the faculties of Wayne State University and Indiana State University before obtaining a position at Oakland University in Rochester MI. There, he served as Professor of Education, Director of Graduate Studies, and Dean of Education retiring Professor Emeritus. He twice headed OU’s representation teaching English in Guizhou China.

Dr. Coon was a noted author, writing over 60 educational publications. Additional works include the Stump Howie sports trivia series and two memoirs which not only told of his experiences, but selflessly honored others. In Bert’s Boy: Growing Up During the Great Depression and World War II he wrote about his upbringing, while highlighting what a “great guy” his father was in the process. Finally in Gerry and Me, which was published in 2020 with the help of their granddaughter and editor, Dr. Katie Zuber, George wrote about the relationship and great adventures he shared with his beloved wife of over 30 years, Geraldine. “Gerry”, also an educator, preceded him in death in 2018. Together they traveled to numerous countries on 6 continents climbing mountains, swimming oceans, volunteering, often teaching, always enriching the lives of others.

He will be forever remembered by his only surviving sibling, sister Doris Evans, son David (Ann) Coon, daughter Mary Ellen (David) Gaikema, grandsons Erik Coon, Robert (Bethany) Coon, Mackenzie George (Taylor) Gaikema, and Joseph Gaikema. 7 great grandchildren. Stepchildren Kathy Cole (Doug Baker), Melissa Zuber (Ray Grzywacewski) and Al (Mary) Palmer, their children and grandchildren, all of which he loved and was very proud of.

At George’s request there will be no services. Individuals wishing to make expressions in his honor may choose to consider the George and Gerry Palmer Coon Endowed Scholarship in Writing Education at Oakland University.