Earl W. Coons – Honor a Deceased Veteran Ceremony

Honoring Earl W. Coons, held in the Legislative Chambers

EARL W. COONS, 1914-1989

FAMILY HISTORY:
Earl W. Coons was born on September 25, 1914 in Troy, New York to the late Earl A. Coons and Mary Louise Salisbury Coons.  Earl was the brother of two sisters, Irma Newman and Elizabeth Mutch.

EDUCATION:
Earl attended Troy Public Schools.

HISTORY:
Earl enlisted in the United States Army during World War II on April 9, 1943.  He entered into active service on April 16, 1943.  Earl earned the rank of Technical Sergeant on the 1010^th AAF Base Unit, where he was an Aerial Engineer Gunner.  While serving, Earl participated in the Rome-Arno Campaign and the Southern France Campaign.  He was the recipient of the Good Conduct Medal, Air Medal with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters, Distinguished Flying Cross and the European African Middle Eastern Service Medal.  Earl was honorably discharged on June 1, 1945.

PERSONAL:
Earl was predeceased by his first wife, Mary F. (Gross) Coons.  In addition to his wife, Margaret E. (Jones) Davis Coons, Earl is survived by three sons; Earl A., Martin R. and John J. Coons; three daughters; Joyce Bendon, Nancy Brammer and Sandra Nolan; a step-son; Alan Davis; two step-daughters; Linda Cardona and Susan Davis.  Earl is also survived by twenty-three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

WORK EXPERIENCE:
Earl was employed with General Electric, Troy Bus Co. and United Traction Bus Co.  He was also a self-employed general contractor, retiring in 1979.

COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES/ORGANIZATIONS:
Earl was a member of the Troy Lodge Elks #141 and Lansingburgh Order of the Odd Fellows.