Roy Merrida Koonce

The measure of a man can be given in multiple ways:

Success, work, the love of a family, and the love of the Lord.

Roy has been blessed in all four areas.

Apostle Paul said, “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” Philippians 1:21

Roy was born in Lenorah Texas June 5^th, 1938 to Reva Estella Standefer & Merrida Likey Koonce.  Roy, at 83 years old passed away at home on June 2, 2022, surrounded by family & loved ones.

When Roy was 9 years old, the family bought Dr. Vance’s Place in Stanton, Texas better known as the hospital in Stanton.  They lived in the hospital home until building his childhood home located on Hwy 137 in Stanton.

He graduated in 1956 from Stanton High School and then went to work for Continental Emsco Oil Company.  At age 18 he saved his money and bought his first car.  Shortly after, Roy then traveled to Graceland College in Lamoni, Iowa where he played football and was known as “Tex” to all his fellow teammates and was voted Little All American.

During his time at Graceland College he met the love of his life, Jean Wheeler from Independence, Missouri.  After receiving their degrees, Roy and Jean were married on June 27^th, 1959. After leaving Graceland College with his wife Jean, he attended Sul Ross University as a football player and coach for a short time then returned home to farm with his father.

After his father passed Roy farmed the families land with his sons.  In 1997 he began a successful trucking business along with his farming. Due to health problems, Roy retired in 2005 from trucking and farming and spent his retired days with his 3 children, 12 grandchildren and 25 great grandchildren.  He loved them all.  He would always say, “They are so sweet no matter what, they needed candy and ice cream all the time.”

He is survived by his wife, Jean Koonce of 63 years, 3 children, daughter Rena Harris and spouse Clay Harris, son Randall (Randy) Koonce and spouse Carolyn Koonce, and son Daniel (Danny) Koonce and spouse Julie Koonce, 12 grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren, and brother Gearl Koonce and spouse Betty Sue Koonce of Sun City, Tx.

He was preceded in death by his father Merrida Koonce, mother Reva Koonce, brother Earl Koonce, and brother Thadd Koonce.

The family would like to thank the CCU Nurses and Doctors at Midland Memorial Hospital as well as Lanae, Tiffany, and Nichole with Angels Care Hospice in Midland, Tx. for helping take care of Roy and making his last days peaceful with loved ones and family.

Arrangements are under the direction of Gilbreath Funeral Home in Stanton.  Online condolences may be made at www.npwelch.com.

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