Joseph Edward Coons

Joseph Edward Coons, 83, of Springfield, died at 12:15 p.m. on Saturday, July 22, 2006 at St. John’s Hospice. He was born on February 9, 1923 in Saybrook, IL, the son of Albert A. and Mary Mooney Coons. He married Frances Shidlauski on January 17, 1946 at St. Vincent DePaul Catholic Church in Springfield. Joseph was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force serving in WW II. He received the American Campaign Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Ribbon with two Bronze Battle Stars, Good Conduct Medal, WW II Victory Service Medal, one Service Stripe and Overseas Service Bars. He achieved the rank of Sergeant. He was employed as a civil engineer with the Sangamon County Highway Department, retiring after 35 years. He participated in the restoration of the Old State Capitol. He enjoyed outdoor sports and was active in boys’ baseball for many years. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers: Alvin “Chuck” Coons and Robert Coons and two sisters: Vivian Fisherkeller and Frances Buck He is survived by his wife: Frances S. Coons; one son: Joseph L. Coons of Springfield; three daughters: Jo Ann (husband, Tom) Bailey and Kathy (husband, John) Giacomini both of Springfield and Rosemary (husband, Tracy) Garrison of Glenarm; eight grandchildren: Alexa Giacomini of Chicago, Luke Giacomini of St. Louis, Nathan Bailey, Joshua Bailey, Jacob Nichols all of Springfield, Jared (wife, Amanda) Nichols of Athens and Sarah Garrison and Casey Garrison both of Glenarm; one sister: Veronica Reece of Bloomington; three brothers: Leo (wife, Phyllis) Coons of Bellflower, IL, Anthony (wife, Beverly) Coons of Gibson City, IL and Eugene Coons of Running Springs, CA and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Cremation accorded by the Cremation Tribute Center, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield. Graveside services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, July 28, 2006 at Camp Butler National Cemetery, with Rev. Donald Meehling officiating and where the Interveterans Burial Detail of Sangamon County will perform military honors. Memorial contributions may be made to: St. John’s Hospital, Hospice Program, 800 E. Carpenter, Springfield, IL 62702. The family of Joseph Edward Coons is being served by Kirlin-Egan and Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St. Springfield.