Elbert E. Koonce

Elbert E. "Gene" Koonce, age 85, of Mountain Home formerly of Arkadelphia passed away Thursday, March 22, 2012 at Pine Lane Therapy & Living Center. He was born April 6, 1926 in Terre Haute, Indiana to Elbert and Amy (Hammell) Koonce. Mr. Koonce enlisted in the United States Marine Corps at the age of 17 and served in the Pacific Theater during WWII and was wounded on Okinawa, he then served in North China before returning to the United States. After graduating from college he was recalled to active duty by the Marine Corps and served in Korea. He participated in the Inchon Seoul, Chosin Resevoir and South Central Korea Campaigns. He received several Purple Hearts. After returning to the United States and being discharged, he became a special agent for the FBI. He retired as the reduction superintendent of Reynolds Metals Company in Portland, Oregan. He married Bernice G. Gillihan May 30, 1958 in Arkadelphia, Arkansas. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Mountain Home, Twin Lakes Golf Club, Twin Lakes Marines, Purple Heart Association, Twin Lakes DAV, North Central Arkansas Veterans Council American Legion Post #52 and Ozark VFW Post #3246. Mr. Koonce is survived by his wife: Bernice Koonce of Mountain Home, a son: Gerald Koonce and wife Myrna of Little Rock, Arkansas, three daughters: Wilma Keller and husband John of Little Rock, Arkansas, Janice O'Neal and husband Doyle of Mt. Ida, Arkansas and Amy Schmidt and husband Justin of Vancouver, Washington, grandchildren: Tucker Doyle O'Neal, Robert Keller, Perry Keller, Austin Dubay, Logan Schmidt, Annika Schmidt and Landon Schmidt and three great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, a son: Robert, three sisters and his first wife: Patricia. Funeral services will be 2 p.m., Saturday, March 24, 2012 at the Roller Funeral Home Chapel with Reverend Randy Ludwig officiating. Interment will be in Baxter Memorial Gardens. Memorial contributions may be made to Baxter House Adult Day Care, P.O. Box 932, Mountain Home, Arkansas 72654. Arrangements are by Roller Funeral Home. Visit our online guestbook at www.rollerfuneralhomes.com.