Donald Paul Koons

Our dad, Donald Paul Koons, 94, of Newton, left this world to be with the Lord on Monday.

He was born on February 24, 1930 to Paul and Elizabeth Koons in Wilkes Barre. A widower, he was married to our mom, Joyce George, for 62 years. He and his 4 siblings were raised by his father, maternal grandmother, and extended family after losing his own mother when he was 6. Dad lived through the Great Depression and WW2, and never wasted or threw away anything that could be used again! If we ever needed string, a certain nail, or a whatchamacallit, Dad always had one!

I learned so much from my dad through the stories he told of his life growing up, as a kid in Wilkes Barre, and later, his Army experiences, which took him to wonderful places in Europe. He talked about how he would love to return, but never did, unfortunately. Advice: Take the trip!

Dad worked at Potlatch Paper Company, and later for Clarks Green borough. He was a "gentleman farmer" and his happy place was his beautiful gardens full of vegetables and his orchard, consisting of apple, peach, pear, and plum trees. He made apple cider every fall and sold his produce at the Tunkhannock Farmers Market, his faithful sweet canine friend Lily, at his side. Fall was definitely his favorite time of year. Dad enjoyed watching old westerns, Penn State football games, eating a good meat and potato dinner, and drinking coffee, lots of coffee- all day long! Dad loved life and found joy and happiness in his family, his gardening and cider making.

Even after a cancer diagnosis that came late in his life, he remained optimistic and confident in his survival. He powered through every single harsh treatment, in hopes to remain independent. Whether it was mowing his lawn, making it to every farmer's market he could, and even the dream to go fishing again. He was hopeful and courageous, as his faith was bigger than his diagnosis.

He is survived by his son, Tom, and daughter-in-law, Donna, Castle Rock, CO, and daughters, Lori Bishop and companion, Anthony Selvenis, Clarks Summit, and Carol Stancavish (companion Joe Falbo), Carbondale. He was so proud of his six grandsons, their pictures hung everywhere in his home: Mike Koons (Karly), DJ Koons (Kayla), and Tim Koons(Kristin), all of Castle Rock, CO, Robby Bishop, Phoenix, AZ, Alex Bishop (Shay), Drums, PA, and Christopher Stancavish, Scranton; and great grandchildren, Lucas Bishop, and Kaia Koons.

Dad has been a member of Our Lady of the Snows since 1969, and his strong faith helped guide him through his life. We, his children, would like to thank Compassionate Care Hospice and the wonderful team of angel nurses and aides. Bobbie, Mona, Jackie, Chris, Nicole, Lori, and Tamara were so kind and caring- treating our dad as if he was their own.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday at 9:30 am at the Church of St. Benedict, 1111 Newton Ransom Blvd., Clarks Summit. Interment to follow in Newton Cemetery. All friends are asked to go directly to church.

The family will receive friends Friday from 5-7 pm at the Lawrence E. Young Funeral Home and Cremation Services Inc. 418 S. State St. Clarks Summit.