Jeffry L. Koonce, 81, of Hallettsville, passed away Dec. 21, 2011. He was born on June 22, 1930, to James & Louise Matula Koonce of Ezzell. He graduated from Hallettsville High School in 1948. He married Leona Kalmus on June 26, 1956 in Hallettsville. He was a member of the VFW of Hallettsville, Texas, and the American Legion of Sweet Home.

Jeffry was drafted into the army and fought in the Korean War, serving in the US Army. He received the Combat Infantryman Badge, United Nation Service Medal, and Korean Service Medal with 3 bronze Service Stars.

Jeffry and Leona made their home in Houston and Alief, Texas. He retired from Rod Gray in Houston, Texas and moved back to his farm in Ezzell. He worked for a short time at Elder Oil Tools. He quit there and went into the hog business where he raised hogs for several years. After he got out of the hog business he spent the rest of his time raising cattle. He loved to work in his garden and always gave people fresh vegetables. He and Leona loved to can their vegetables and make sausage with their children and grandchildren every winter. He enjoyed traveling with his wife Leona. He took several trips with his brothers and sisters to numerous places. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. In earlier years he enjoyed his deer camp with his brother-in-law Daniel. He went on several hunting trips with his sons and brother in-law Wilhelm. He loved to fish with his sons and then later on with his grandchildren. Every day he took his dog, Lady, for a ride on the four-wheeler to check his cattle.

Jeffry is survived by: daughter Diane Davis & husband Bill of Hallettsville; 3 sons, Jeffery "Mike" Koonce of Dallas, Jack Koonce wife Dede of Richmond, and Jodie Koonce of Yoakum; 7 grandchildren, Melissa and Billy Davis, Jace, Justin, Jacob, Jarryd, and Cayley Koonce;. 2 sisters, Patricia Schlageter & husband Philip of Schulenburg, and Anita Jenkins & husband Curtis of Irving; sister-in-laws, Joyce Koonce and Frances Koonce of Hallettsville; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Jeffry was preceded in death by: his wife Leona; infant son; parents; 4 brothers, James, Tommy, Jasper, and John Koonce; sister Oretha McCord; 2 nieces and one nephew.

Funeral Mass Service: 10 am, Tuesday, Dec. 27, 2011, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church of Koerth, TX. Visitation: 6 pm, Monday at Kubena Funeral Home. Rosary: 7 pm, Monday at Kubena Funeral Home. Officiate: Rev. Charles Sonnier. Pallbearers: Billy Davis, Jace Koonce, Justin Koonce, Jarryd Koonce, Blaise Kalmus, and David Schlageter. Burial: Koerth Catholic Cemetery.

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