of Hot Springs, AR
October 14, 1935 - December 8, 2022
Dr. Kenneth Lloyd "Ken" Coon, Sr., age 87 of Hot Springs, Arkansas, formerly of Mountain View, Arkansas, died on Tuesday, December 8, 2022 at his home. Coon was a member of the School Avenue Church of Christ of Mountain View, Arkansas, a Veteran of the United States Air Force and a graduate of the University of Arkansas. He was married to Sue Coon and had two children, Catherine and Ken, Jr.
Ken had a successful membership in the Arkansas Jaycees, where he served in a number of positions at both the local and state level. He was president of the organization in 1971-72 when he was named one of the five outstanding state presidents in the nation. He touched many lives through his Jaycee service and commonly had people tell him of his positive impact on their lives.
Ken Coon made a major contribution to the establishment of the two-party system in Arkansas. He worked tirelessly for some twenty years to build the Republican party. He ran for office three times - Governor in 1974, Lt. Governor in 1972 and Congress in 1996. Although he was not a victor in these races, he understood that the Arkansas GOP would have to run credible candidates repeatedly, build gradually up to a 51% vote until it could win consistently. Ken understood the nature of this challenge and was willing to sacrifice in the short run for the success of a two-party state in the long run.
In addition to his public office races, he also served in numerous party offices. He was the hired Executive Director from 1972-1976; was a County Chairman, District Chairman and finally, State Chairman from 1988-1990. Ken was one of the key players in building the modern Republican Party in Arkansas.
As a Psychologist and Counselor, Coon built a successful management consulting practice serving businesses in Central Arkansas. He offered consulting, training and counseling services to CEO's and owners of both small and large businesses alike. As a Professor at Webster University, he taught Human Resource Development and was a pioneer in Arkansas for new methods of improving the effectiveness of individuals, teams and organizations. As an Executive Coach, he quietly helped several of Arkansas' prominent families and corporations to achieve their goals and grow their businesses to the next generation.
When not busy in business and civic endeavors, Coon spent time developing his farm to benefit his family. Dr. Coon was a builder. He sought to improve whatever entity in which he was involved, whether it was his family, his business, client's business or civic organizations. Many individuals and organizations are better because he passed their way.
Funeral services will be 1:00pm Tuesday, December 13, 2022 at Roller-Chenal Funeral Home, 13801 Chenal Parkway, followed by Funeral Services at 1:00pm on Wednesday, December 14, 2022 at the School Avenue Church of Christ, 213 School Avenue, Mountain View, Arkansas followed by a graveside service at 1:00pm on Thursday, December 15, 2022 at Indian Village Cemetery, south of Calhoun, Louisiana.
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24 Condolence(s)
John Donahue
Thursday, March 2, 2023
I just found out as out Ken's passing. He and I worked together in Arkansas. He was like a mentor to me.I had great respect for him.
Brannon Family
Monday, December 19, 2022
Praying for peace and comfort for you and your family during this difficult time.
Brannon Family
Monday, December 19, 2022
Praying for peace and comfort for you and your family during this difficult time.
Bill and Judy Fey
Monday, December 19, 2022
We are so sorry to learn of Ken’s passing. Praying for you and your family!
Becky & Steve Arender
Sunday, December 18, 2022
We were saddened to hear of Ken's passing. Our condolences to Sue and all of the family. We attended School Avenue Church of Christ when Sue and Ken were there. Two very wonderful people.
Jeff Schudar
Tuesday, December 13, 2022
Ken was quite an amazing individual. I consider myself very fortunate to have had many, one on one visits with this kind and very focused man. May he rest in God's Peace and may God comfort those who are hurting and grieving.
Jeff Schudar
JERRY A RYNERSON
Tuesday, December 13, 2022
To Ken's family, I wish to express my condolences. Ken and I were in the Arkansas Jaycees back in the day. I recall looking to Ken for help from time to time when I was local President of the Jacksonville chapter. He was always there to help and I shall never forget the fellowship we shared.
Rest in peace Ken. Sincerely, Jerry Rynerson
Michael Honaker
Tuesday, December 13, 2022
To Sue and Family,
I attended some meetings chaired by Ken in the early 80's. Our association was brief but I always admired and respected him.
Saddened to hear of his passing.
My deepest sympathies for your loss.
Kenneth C Haremza
Monday, December 12, 2022
Mr. Ken's inspiration in living life is a true gift for all in passing into the future. Having served as Arkansas Jaycees State Chairman in during is Presidency of the Arkansas Jaycees,
Mr. Ken was a true Leader of getting the job done right. The Memory of Him will Live on into the Future. It was an Honor to have him as a mentor in my Life and others.
Josh & Destiny McHughes
Monday, December 12, 2022
Sue and family,
Our condolences on the loss of Ken. He was a wonderful person and will be greatly missed.
Jeff and Lori Dobbins
Monday, December 12, 2022
Ken and Family: So sorry to hear of the passing of your father. We didn't know him but from ready about him we can tell he was an amazing man. We pray God's comfort for all of you at this time and will have you in our prayers. Jeff and Lori Dobbins
Johnny & Mary Hodges
Sunday, December 11, 2022
Ms. Sue and family, our thoughts and prayers are with your family. I will never forget our days in the Arkansas Jaycees and Jaycetts, we missed a lot of our daughter growing up but Mary and i made numerous friends and gained a lot of knowledge traveling ARKANSAS under the leadership of Ken Coon and David Hale among others. Again our thoughts and prayers are with you, Johnny & Mary Hodges
Thomas "Boo" McDonald
Sunday, December 11, 2022
To the extended family of Dr. Ken Coon,
I am very sorry to learn of Dr. Coon's passing today...he was an amazing man ! I had the honor to be his grad student at Webster University (Little Rock) for my last Master's course in the Fall of 2004. Dr. Coon was of course well known for his past leadership roles back then, but his absolute brilliance and sense of humor made this course very enjoyable ! I was probably the oldest and most experienced student in that particular course, but I was so impressed with his unique real-world insight regarding human resources within the modern workplace. Also, due to my older age, I remember well Dr. Coon's past political courage promoting the Republican conservative cause in Arkansas, when few others matched his bravery in a solid southern Democratic state.....thank God Arkansas finally turned "red" ! Dr. Coon was truly a "man for all seasons" with his many talents and endeavors, I greatly admired his energy and sacrifices to promote the common good for society. My thoughts and prayers are with his entire extended family at this difficult time.
Sara N Gross
Sunday, December 11, 2022
He was an avid fisherman and shared those white perch with family.
He was much loved and I will miss meeting him and my sister Sue at parks and campgrounds.
Kenneth M. Coon
Saturday, December 10, 2022
I departed parents (Ray L. Coon) had told me that I was named after the Arkansas Kenneth Coon. Never tried to meet him despite working a Arkansas Nuclear One site for a short time and meeting (in 1979) my wife (still married to this day). Funny story, I was calling real-estate agents about raw land and they responded to me with more than normal business dialog ("should we send a car to pick you up"), when I told my dad about it that is when he told me about the connection. Kenneth is now home and got willing we will meet there. Respectfully, "another Kenneth Coon" :)
Glen Hopkins, jr
Saturday, December 10, 2022
Best wishes to his friends from his old friend, Glen Hopkins
Glen Hopkins, jr.
Saturday, December 10, 2022
Best wishes to family and friends of a fine gentleman from his old friend, Glen Hopkins
Malcolm & Carolyn Garland
Saturday, December 10, 2022
A GREAT LOSS. MAY GOD BE WITH YOU
Don Moak
Saturday, December 10, 2022
A wonderful person and a great friend that I will always remember. He made many suggestions to me that turned out to be very effective in my life and some very profitable. RIP MY FRIEND
Elmer R Hackworth
Saturday, December 10, 2022
Pam Markham
Saturday, December 10, 2022
Dear Sue, we were so saddened to see Ken’s obituary in the paper today. I still pictured you and Ken just as you were before you moved from Conway. We have thought of you both so often through the years with great affection. You and your children will be in our hearts and prayers.
Love, Pam and Scott Markham
Norman Clifton
Saturday, December 10, 2022
Sue and family we were so sorry to read about Ken He was a very well known and respected leader of men!
And we always enjoyed our interactions together during the Jc years and beyond.
May the Lord give you and the family peace and comfort during this great loss our prayers are with you, the children and family
God Bless
Norman and Shirley Clifton
Don Curdie
Saturday, December 10, 2022
Ken was an energetic and devoted worker in the Republican Party. I worked for Ken when he won the State Chairman's race and then he appointed me to edit the Arkansas Outlook newspaper when he was Chairman. He worked hard to be elected as Chairman. He was a real people person, and the state has lost a great American. He and Bob Leslie are already planning in heaven's meeting room ways to keep Arkansas as a strong Republican state. God Bless Ken and his wife Sue.
Ralph Cloar
Saturday, December 10, 2022
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