Temple Koonce

Temple Gordon Koonce Sr., age 99, of Hungerford, died Monday, Jan. 7, 2008 at his residence following an extended illness. He was born on Sept. 11, 1908 in Berclair, the son of the late Lawrence Levi Koonce and Willie Birden Harding Koonce.

Mr. Koonce was a resident of Wharton County since 1945 and a member of Abell Street Church of Christ in Wharton where he served as an elder for more than 30 years. He married Martha Forgason on Dec. 22, 1934 in Hungerford and she preceded him in death on March 22, 1997. He was also preceded in death by a son Temple Gordon Koonce Jr. and his wife Pat; two sisters, Lena Chesshir and Eva Moss; and two brothers, Joel Louis Koonce and Waymon Leroy Koonce.

He was a rancher and served on the board of directors for J.D. Hudgins for more than 30 years. He was also a charter member of the Wharton Rotary Club, a founder of the Rocking W Arena and was a member of the American Brahman Breeders Association for more than 50 years.

Funeral services were held at 10 a.m., Wednesday, Jan. 9, 2008 at the chapel of Wharton Funeral Home with Paul Jones and Eddie Brinkley officiating. Burial followed in Wharton City Cemetery.

Survivors include his daughter and son-in-law, Frances and Ed Cullers of Hungerford; seven grandchildren and 19 greatgrandchildren.

Pallbearers were Temple Koonce, Jared Koonce, Phil Koonce, Joe Koonce, Cole Koonce, Judd Cullers, Chris Bridges and Kent Wilson.

Honorary Pallbearers are J'Boone Koonce, Julie Bridges, Joy Wilson, Gloria Cerrillo, Tessie Guenther, Virginia Martinez and all of his nieces and nephews.

In lieu of usual remembrances the family requests memorials to the Library Fund at Abell Street Church of Christ, P.O. Box 790, Wharton, TX 77488; or the American Cancer Society, 204 Second St., Wharton, TX 77488.