Billy L. Koonce, 79, of Fillmore died Sunday, April 19, 2015, at St. John's Hospital in Springfield.
Graveside services will be held at 4 p.m. Friday, May 1, at Green-Hill Cemetery with Pastor Harry Kirk officiating. Family and friends may gather at 3:30 p.m. at the cemetery.
Miller Funeral Home in Fillmore is in charge of arrangements.
Mr. Koonce was born in Fayette County on Sept. 7, 1935, the son of the late Roy and Marena E. (Jay) Koonce. He married Nelda June "June" Ricke on Aug. 3, 1955, in Shafter Township, and she preceded him in death on April 27, 2010.
He was affiliated with Parkview Free Methodist Church in Vandalia.
Mr. Koonce is survived by his sons, James (Linda) Koonce of Bingham and Ted (Jamie) Koonce of Coffeen; brothers, Harold Koonce of Mendota, Bob Koonce of Gibson City, Don Koonce of Vandalia and Keith Koonce of Hillsboro; sisters, Dorothy Gephart and Aline Trulock of Raymond, Arlene Gerwolls of Witt and Linda Sue Townsend of Vandalia; daughter-in-law, Barbara Koonce; grandchildren, Josh, Jestin, James and Kayla; and great-grandchildren, MaKenna and Mason.
Besides his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by his sons, Donald Koonce in 1975 and Ronald Koonce in 2013; and two infant sisters.
Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society.
Online memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.millerfh.net.
