Larry Paul Koons died at his home in Columbus, Ohio on February 19, 2025. He was 76 years old. Larry was born in Trimble, Ohio on January 13, 1949, and grew up in Glouster, Ohio, where he graduated from Glouster High School in 1967.
Larry was a decorated US Army veteran, serving as Sergeant with the 25 Infantry Division during the Vietnam War. He received the National Defense Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Vietnam Service Medal, and the Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm.
Following the military, Larry graduated with a bachelor’s degree in graphic arts from Ohio University in Athens, Ohio. Larry’s career as a graphic designer began at an advertising agency in Columbus, Ohio before pursuing a career in educational publishing at Charles E. Merrill Publishing Company in Columbus, Ohio and Silver Burdett & Ginn Publishing Company in Morristown, New Jersey and Boston, MA. Most of Larry’s distinguished career was spent in New York City with Scholastic, Inc, a publishing, education, and media company and the world’s largest publisher of children’s books. Larry was highly regarded in his senior role as Vice President and Director of Art & Design until his retirement. During his tenure at Scholastic, Larry won numerous awards for design excellence, including a commendation from the Art Directors Club of NYC.
In his free time, Larry loved music, art, literature, gardening, and later in life, golf. His creative endeavors were a constant source of passion and fulfillment.
Larry leaves behind two children, Ashley Koons (Mark Pinder) who live in Vancouver, British Columbia with son Bowie, age 3; and Jeffrey Koons (Susanna Taylor Koons) who live in Larkspur, California with daughters Libby, age 7 and Edie, age 2.
He is also survived by four siblings and their families, Jerry Koons (Libby) of Miamisburg, Ohio; Duane Koons (Pam) of London, Ohio; Paula Bailey (Curt) of Live Oak, Texas; and Steven Koons (Betsy) of Commercial Point, Ohio.
Preceding Larry in death are his parents, Paul and Norma (Kasler) Koons of Glouster, Ohio, and wife, Misty Koons of Columbus, Ohio.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, March 6, 2025 from 12-1 at Morrison Funeral Chapel in Glouster, Ohio with Military Honors following at Concord Church Cemetery in Glouster, Ohio.
