MILLFIELD, Ohio – Robert “Bob” Lee Koons, 88, of Millfield, passed away on September 19, 2026 at home, surrounded by family. He was born on January 12, 1938 in Redtown, OH.
Even as the youngest, Bob had an innate sense of responsibility as by age 18 he had already enlisted in the Air Force. He spoke fondly of his travels in Arizona, but his heart was always in southeast Ohio. It was there he found the love of his life and started a family of his own. Bob was extremely hardworking, a proud coal miner of 29 years, and a member of the UMWA Local Union 1886 at Meigs Mine II. While he was always working with his hands, he had an even sharper mind. He was deeply knowledgeable about politics, and a lifelong democrat. Bob was also very passionate about movies—especially westerns—and could tell you exactly who was in one even if he hadn’t seen it in years. He was a natural historian and artist. He would play guitar and sing, often making up rhymes and melodies. He loved playing horseshoes, with a competitive edge he passed down to his children. Bob was always outdoors. Fishing, hunting, collecting arrowheads, gardening, and tinkering with his box of tools. He loved to cook (and eat!) especially when it came to gatherings, usually centered around sports. He was an avid Ohio State and Cincinnati Reds fan. And after the birth of his grandchildren, you would find him wherever they were. Above all, Bob was a true optimist. Intensely funny, profoundly inquisitive, devoutly Catholic, a loyal husband, caring father, loving Papa, and a beautiful person. He will be greatly missed and forever remembered.
In addition to his parents, Edward James Koons and Anna Magdalene Koons (née Erdy), he was preceded in death by his siblings, Irene Koons, Paul Koons, James “Jiggs” Koons, Phyllis Romanowski, Shirley Sayre, and nephews Larry Koons and Jerry Koons.
His legacy of humor, kindness, and love is survived by his wife of 58 years Rosemary Koons (née Kottyan), son Terry Koons, daughter Jennifer (Ginny) Koons-Weston, grandchildren Sydney Hosek and Logan Hosek, many nieces and nephews, and extended family including Sydney Princehorn, Geneva Jenkins, and Kavanaugh Frank.
A funeral celebrating Bob’s life will be held Tuesday, September 22, at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Glouster. The viewing will be from 11 a.m.–1 p.m., with Mass to follow. After Mass, all who had the privilege to know and love him are invited downstairs for a gathering and time of remembrance.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Chix-4-a-Cure, 8314 St Rt 685, Glouster, Ohio 45732, Holy Cross Building Fund, 75 Stewart St. Athens, Ohio 45701, or Trimble Textbook and Supplies Foundation, c/o Sandy Gyure, PO Box 187, Glouster, Ohio 45732. Arrangements have been entrusted to Morrison Funeral Chapel. To leave a message of comfort, please visit www.morrisonfc.com.