Oakley A. Koons

COLUMBUS

Oakley Allen Koons, age 84 of Columbus, Indiana, passed away peacefully Thursday, November 9, 2017.

Oakley was born September 23, 1933 and raised in an urban family of four just outside of Cleveland, Ohio.

He was predeceased by his wife, Mildred E. Koons; son, Tim Koons; his father and mother, Harold O. and Catherine E. Koons; father- and mother-in-law, Charles and Lola Bastian; sister-in-law, Barbara Koons; and brothers-in-law, Chuck Bastian and Charles Skaggs.

As a young adult he was active in the boy scouts and worked assembly jobs.

Upon graduation from High School, he attended Purdue University where he met his lifelong sweet heart, Mildred E. Bastian. They were married at Nabb Presbyterian Church on April 30, 1955, the day after he graduated flight school from the United States Air Force where she pinned wings onto his uniform.

He traveled the world throughout his 13 years of service in the Air Force.

He was blessed to establish homes for his family in Moses Lake, Washington; Evreux, France; and Abilene, Texas.

At the conclusion of his service in the Air Force, the family moved to Columbus, Indiana where he worked for Cummins Incorporated until his retirement in 1986.

He continued to work and maintain an active lifestyle as President of Oak’s Lawn Care until 2010, when he sold his business in order to care for his ailing wife.

He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.

He was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church of Columbus. He thoroughly enjoyed music and sang in the church choir, the Columbus Philharmonic Orchestra and in the Society for the Preservation Encouragement Barber Shop Quartet Singing in America.

He was an avid wood worker, motorcycle rider, stamp collector, and a model train enthusiast.

He leaves behind his children, Cathie and Michael Wolski, Charlie and Kim Koons, Sharon Koons, and Jerry Koons; brother, Jerry Koons; sisters-in-law, Ruth Ann Skaggs and Roberta Bastian; and brother-in-law, Roy Bastian. He also leaves behind seven grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.

The funeral service will be conducted at 7 p.m. Friday, November 17th at First Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Dr. Felipe Martinez officiating.

Family and friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Barkes, Weaver & Glick Funeral Home on Washington Street and from 6 p.m. until service time Friday at the church.

The committal service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday in Section 80 at Garland Brook Cemetery. Full military rites will be presented by the U.S. Air Force Ceremonial Unit and the Bartholomew County Veterans Honor Guard.

The family asks that memorial contributions be made to Our Hospice of South Central Indiana or First Presbyterian Church.

Online condolences and special memories may be shared with the family at barkesweaverglick.com.

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