Robert Earl Koonse, 84, passed away surrounded by his family at Boone Hospital, from complications of a tick borne disease, on Monday, July 25, 2022.
Robert Earl Koonse was born on December 28, 1937 in Boonville, Missouri, the son of George Prewitt Koonse and Edna St. Clair Scott. Robert (Bobby) married Barbara Knipp on November 9th, 1957 in Tipton, Missouri. Bobby served active duty in the Army for 2 years in Germany then in the reserves. Bobby farmed all his life, was a truck driver, and carried mail for 28 years. He had a backhoe and trencher business, K & K Backhoe Services, with his partner, Bob Kramel, after retiring from the post office. He then worked for the Consolidated PWSD# 1 after retiring from K & K Backhoe Service. Bobby also worked a short time for Greis Trucking & Excavating after retiring from the water department. Bobby was a past member of the Boonville Boot and Saddle Club, Boonville Rod and Gun Club, Knights of Columbus, Missouri State Tractor Pullers Association, Lamine Boat Club, and President of Lamine Cemetery. Bobby loved racing cars, riding motorcycles, boating, flying airplanes, competing in tractor pulls, going dancing, and going for drives. He also enjoyed working on Farmall IH tractors, doing backhoe work, mowing grass and gardening, and just loved being outdoors. Bobby loved his family and was loved by his family and he loved spending time with them. He enjoyed letting the grandchildren and great grandchildren drive tractors and golf cart around the property. Bobby and Barb always enjoyed going to breakfast regularly with friends. He also enjoyed going out to eat with the family saying, “I’m cooking,” but that just meant he was paying. He was always there for family and friends anytime he was needed.
Robert is preceded in death by his parents George and Edna Koonse, 3 brothers, Kenneth (Doris), Melvin (Mary Sue), and Wesley Koonse. He is survived by his wife Barbara Koonse, sister-in-law Martha Jane (Wesley) Koonse and 4 children, Jeff (Pam) Koonse of New Franklin, Candy Koonse of Boonville, Mike (Cheryl) Koonse of Boonville, and Nancy Koonse of Boonville. He leaves behind 5 grandchildren April (Tommy) Schnell of New Franklin, Heather (Corry) Dixson of Clark, MO, Tyler, Brandon, and Rachel Koonse of Boonville, and 4 great grandchildren Mackenna and Emerson Schnell, and Mason and Logan Dixson and numerous nieces and nephews.
In Lieu of visitation and memorials, please join us in a Celebration of Life and bring a covered dish or dessert if you wish, and share a meal or visit with family and friends, the way Bobby would have wanted it. Saturday, July 30, 2022 from 12:00-2:00 at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Boonville, Missouri.
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