Obituary: Coones, Donald
Don was born in Siloam Springs to Ted and Elsie Coones on September 19, 1934.
He graduated from Siloam Springs High School in 1952 and joined the Army Signal Corps.
Don married his lifelong wife, Mary Beth Phelan, on January 20, 1957.
Don worked for Western Electric and retired after 32 years of service with the Federal Aviation Administration.
While working for the FAA, he earned an Electrical Engineering degree and lived in Charleston, South Carolina, Panama City, Florida, Woodbridge, Virginia, Pocatello, Idaho, and Seattle, Vancouver and Spokane, Washington.
He loved warm weather and wintered in South Padre Island, Texas for over twenty years.
He had an eagle eye for wildlife and hunted with a rifle and later a camera.
He loved fishing and fly tying and enjoyed poker.
During his retirement he raised bees throughout Washington and worked in real estate investment.
Don is survived by his wife Beth, his daughters Terri and Sherry, son-in-law Michael, and siblings Doris, Merle, Bobby, Kenneth, and Joyce.
He was especially close to his only grandson, Jory Phillips.
Don’s gentle, loving strength and generous spirit will always be cherished by his family.
Don requested there be no service; please celebrate his life in your own way.