Dennis L. Coon

Dennis L. Coon of Middleton, ID died on Friday, September 14, 2012 at a Nampa care center. Dennis was born on January 11, 1936 in Holstein, Iowa. Soon to follow was his two sisters, Mary and Nancy and his brother, Kent. His family farmed until the war broke out and then they moved to Los Angeles, California. They bought a house near USC and Dennis had many adventures exploring the USC campus. Dennis went to back to Iowa in high school for a year to live and work on his Aunt Irene and Uncle Leonard’s farm. That cemented Dennis’ love of farming and ranching. Dennis also became an Eagle Scout at the age of 15. Dennis’ love of the outdoors was evident throughout his life. Dennis attended Peirce Ag Junior College in Woodland Hills, California where he met his wife Diane Coon and they were married 54 years. On the weekends Dennis could be found at local rodeos riding bulls and broncs. Dennis then transferred to Fresno State (now Fresno University) where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in animal husbandry. After graduation Dennis and Diane moved to Reno, Nevada where he managed a purebred angus cattle ranch. They then moved to Halfway, Oregon where he raised a small heard of cattle and worked on the Hells Canyon Dam. In 1967 Dennis and Diane moved to Moses Lake, Washington where he started in career with Simplot Soilbuilders. They started their family in Moses Lake with the birth of two daughters Sharon and Kellie. In 1976 Dennis was transferred to the Caldwell Soilbuilders unit where he continued working until his retirement in 1997. Dennis served on the Middleton School Board, 4-H leader for his daughters livestock 4-H club, president of the Sheep Growers Club, served on the Canyon County Fair Board, and member of the Caldwell Ag Committee. Dennis had a strong sense of community and took pride in helping his community. During his retirement he and Diane traveled all over Europe and took a cruise through the Panama Canal. Dennis was active playing golf, fishing, and spending time with his family and granddaughter until Parkinson’s Disease began to take its toll. Dennis was an amazing husband and father and will be missed. Dennis is survived by his wife Diane Coon, daughters Sharon (Stephan) Schmitt and Kellie Coon, and his younger brother Kent Coon, and his granddaughter Erin Schmitt. The family will celebrate his life with an open house on Saturday, September 29, 2012 from 1:00pm to 5:00pm. For more information please email [email protected]. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation www.michaeljfox.org. Service Information