Robert Koons,

Robert G. Koons, Sr., 86, of Clinton, died Thursday, February 18, 2010 at Eagle Point Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Clinton. Funeral Services will be 11:00am, Saturday, February 27, 2010 at the First Congregational Church, Clinton. A Scottish Rite Rose Croix service will be held in conjunction with the funeral. Burial will be in the Clinton Lawn Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers will be Bryant Koons, Robert G. Koons, II, Gene Gilbert, Larry Gilbert, and Randall Gilbert. Serving as honorary pallbearers will be Hank Dihlman, Dr. Robert Simmons, Don Krambeck, Duane Luebe, and Al Lorenz. Visitation will be Friday from 4:00-7:00pm at Clinton Chapel Snell-Zornig Funeral Homes and Crematory. Robert George Koons was born on Febrauary 1, 1924 in Clinton, Iowa, the son of Frank and Adella (Schneden) Koons. He married Lynette Gilbert on September 1, 1946 in Clinton, Iowa. He was a 1942 graduate of Clinton High School. He attended Iowa State University where he became a member of Pi Kappa Phi fraternity, prior to serving the United States Army during World War II. He fought in the Battle of the Bulge as a medic in the 99th Division. He later graduated from the University of Iowa in l949 with a bachelor’s degree in Industrial Psychology and earned a master’s degree in Labor & Industrial Management in l950. Bob was director of employee relations for the former Chemplex Company (now Lyondell-Basell), as well as associated with Standard Brands (Clinton Corn Processing Co.) for 24 years, retiring as vice president of labor and industrial relations in l980. He formed R.G. Koons & Assoc., a consulting firm, including a Western Temporary Services franchise, retiring in l994. He was an active member of the community serving in many leadership roles including, Chamber of Commerce (awarded Outstanding Young Man of the Year 1956), United Way, Gateway Personnel Assoc., Red Cross, Salvation Army, Clinton County Board of Education, Clinton Area Development Co., Rotary, the board of trustees of Mt. St. Clare College, Samaritan Health System (now Mercy Medical) and the Mercy Foundation as a member of the executive board. He has also served on the Governor’s State Advisory Council on Vocational Education, State Board of Public Instruction, American Society for Training and Development, Self Help Foundation, and for many years served as a guest lecturer for Iowa State University and University of Iowa. He was a member of the First Congregational Church serving in many capacities at the church, a member of Western Star Lodge #100, Clinton Scottish Rite Bodies where he was a KCCH, KAABA Shrine, Clinton Hi-12 Club, the Shriner’s Oriental Band, and an active member of the Republican Party. He was a life-long learner who enjoyed music and playing percussion and violin. He is survived by his wife: Lynette of Clinton; two daughters: Julia (Ed) Frederick of St. Augustine Beach, Florida, Martha Koons of Walnut, California; one son: Robert (Jane) Koons, II, of Clinton; and 4 grandchildren: Charlotte Mueller, Caroline Koons, Bryant Koons, and Kira Koons. He was preceded in death by his parents and a son-in-law, Steven W. Wood. Bob leaves a legacy of love and kindness for his family, his pets, and his friends. He will be sadly missed and forever loved. Memorials can be made to the First Congregational Church or Western Star Lodge #100.

Robert Koons,

February 1, 1924 - February 18, 2010