MSGT Leland G. Coon was born January 17, 1942 in Jackson, Michigan. He passed away on November 12, 2009 in Round Rock, Texas. Cause of death was Lymphoma caused by exposure to Agent Orange while serving his country in Vietnam.
MSGT Coon proudly served in the United States Air Force from 1962 to 1982, when he retired.
MSGT Coon was awarded The Silver Rose by The Order of the Silver Rose on April 25, 2006. The Order of the Silver Rose “recognizes the courage, heroism, and contributions of American service personnel found to have been exposed to Agent Orange in a combat zone … whose lethal exposure to Agent Orange resulted in internal, invisible wounds, which are revealed only by the passage of time.”
Funeral services were held on November 18 at the Memorial Chapel of Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Funeral Home in Pflugerville. Patriot Guard Riders from all over central Texas were present to form a line of American flags to welcome the arriving family and friends.
A funeral procession, including the Patriot Guard Riders, carried the remains of MSGT Coon to the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery at Killeen, Texas for the rendering of full military honors and final interment.
As the procession arrived at the Committal Shelter at the cemetery, they were welcomed by 50 American flags, waving in the wind, and a line of Patriot Guard Riders, standing tall for this American hero.
Full military honors were rendered. The American flag that had draped the casket was folded into a tight triangle by the Air Force Honor Guard and presented to his life partner, Patsy. A rifle detail fired three volleys of fire, representing life, duty and country. Taps was played.
MSGT Leland G. Coon was then laid to rest, for all of eternity, under a clear blue sky, on the gentle slope of the cemetery. The American flag on the hill was at half-staff in his honor.
Left to cherish his memory are his life partner, Patsy, her daughter Donna, his daughter Cathy, grandchildren Cody, April and Justin, and many other dear family and friends.
With thanks to the Austin American Statesman and The Order of The Silver Rose for biographical information.
Good morning Dear sweet David...We thank you ever so much for this incredible post! My mom was so overjoyed when I showed her your blog! (She saved it to read after I fly out this afternoon)
ReplyDeleteI have a special favor and truly need help in getting it done.
After I leave here today, my mom will be all alone. And we have a great dread and fear that hangs around this house. I need help in protecting her until a new security system is installed. I myself...must return home.
Please email me again if you have any suggestions. I know My coony bear would want mom to be safe and that is not the case at present.
Again, thank you for honoring Lee...You did him proud as he would have said
God Bless you...donna