Lionel Vance Koon

On March 11, 2015 the world lost an amazing man. Lionel Vance Koon transitioned from this world after a valiant effort to survive esophageal cancer. Lionel was born May 31, 1942 in Lynwood, California while his parents, Robert and Robinette were stationed there at the end of WWII. The Koon’s soon moved back to Idaho where they raised Lionel and his siblings Larry, Gordon, and Anita and later on foster sister Sonya. Musical talent ran through the family and Lionel was a gifted musician and singer who at an early age began entertaining family, friends and his community. When he was young he fell madly in love with his childhood sweetheart and he married Kathleen Loretta Anderson on November 26, 1960. Their love grew and they had three children; Becki Ann, Anthony Glenn and Nicole Yvette. In their early life together Lionel performed a variety of jobs in construction, as a disc jockey, delivering propane and playing in bands but his love of community took him in the direction of law enforcement. That began a career for him working for Madison County in the Sheriffs Department. He loved his work and his huge heart and compassion was known by all. He worked as Chief Deputy from 1968 to 1980 until Sheriff Ford Smith retired. Lionel served as Madison County Sheriff from 1980 to 1993. While in office, Lionel served on numerous local, regional, state and national boards, associations, councils and committees such as Idaho Association of Counties,National Association of Counties, Domestic Violence Council and Governor’s Youth Commission just to name a few. His innovation and passion to better his community led him to be a driving force to implement many new programs such as the 911 Emergency Communication System and the Tri-County Sheriffs Association. When Lionel left the Sheriffs department he ventured into mine remediation and eventually helped form a construction company with his brothers. Lionel and Kathleen enjoyed his years in construction as they traveled to many states working and living life on the road together. Despite all their travels and adventures, they still found time to make family a priority and Lionel loved being the head of his growing family. Lionel is survived by his wife Kathleen; children and their spouses, Becki, Anthony and Toni, Nicole and Berro; 8 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild and by his siblings. He is preceded in death by his father Robert and mother Robinette. Lionel was a man of many talents and he never met a person that he didn’t love and/or respect. His legacy lives on in his career successes, his numerous friends and associates and most importantly his loving family. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, March 17, 2015, at 11:00 a.m. at the Burton 3rd Ward LDS Chapel. 3958 W. 2000 S., Rexburg. The family will visit with friends on Monday March 16th from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. at Eckersell Memorial Chapel, 101 W. Main, Rigby, and on Tuesday from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. at the Church. Contributions may be made to the Huntsman’s Cancer Foundation for Esophageal Cancer Research in memory of Lionel Koon.