Warren Coon: A Great Man has Passed on

Coon Bear (Warren Coon) (R) and Daddy Doug sharing a light moment together in Charleston - Lance McDaniel photo

Warren A. Coon, Sherman Track and Field coach, passed away Friday at his home after a long battle with cancer. When I get funeral arrangements, I will post them here.

"Memorial service will be at 2:00 PM on Friday June 1 in the Sherman High School gymnasium.  Visitiation will be from 10:00 AM-2:00PM before the service....wear your school colors (his request) or your Team Coon Bear t-shirt."

Coon Bear (a.k.a Warren Coon) as we affectionately called him was a special man with great positive influences on many people. Coon Bear and his family took my family into their lives and forever changed us. Adam Coon, Warren's son, was my son's first roommate at Concord University, and was always an encouragement just like his dad. The Coon family took care of Lance as one of their own. They allowed all of my family into their lives and it was a pleasant place to be. Warren and his family made you feel like part of the family. Warren introduced me to Quaker State and Lube and every time I see one, I think of him. On a visit to his home, we got to visit his mother, wait on the train to pass by so we could go to his house, walk across the old swinging bridge, relax in the family room, and eat a spread fit for a king. The Coon's know how to feed and entertain. It was at Warren's house that I first enjoyed the delicacy of Rattlesnake meat. He had killed the snake earlier in the day and momma Coon knew exactly how to cook it. Later on when Courtney (Warren's daughter) came to Concord University it allowed our families to continue to bond. The last time I saw Warren was at a Concord University cross country meet and I knew he was struggling with the cancer. However, he remained positive and caring about others.

What a great man! I miss him dearly. I want to offer my sincere condolences to his family and many friends.

Obituary added:

Warren Alan Coon, 57, of Comfort, passed away Friday, May 25, 2012, at his home surrounded by family and dear friend, Pete Williams.

Born January 20, 1955, he was the oldest child of Lolita Coon and the late Kermit Coon. In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by his grandparents, E. Reid and Ora Coon and William Harold and Catherine Hunter; mother-in-law, Nina Putinsky; and brother-in-law, Dean Cantley.

Warren was a 1973 graduate of Sherman High School, a 1977 graduate of West Virginia Institute of Technology and a 1980 graduate of Marshall University Graduate School. Since 1985, he had been employed by Boone County Schools as a teacher, and also served as athletic trainer and head track coach at Sherman High School. He was a former employee of Raleigh County Schools, teaching at Marsh Fork High School from 1977 to 1985.

Warren was a member of Racine Volunteer Fire Department, joining in 1975. He held the ranks of chief, assistant chief, captain and lieutenant. He was also a member of Whitesville Volunteer Fire Department from 1981 to 1985. He was the sixth person to reach 1001 Proboard Level 3 Certified Firefighter in the state of West Virginia.

Warren was a member of Racine Boy Scout Troop 45, where he earned the rank of Eagle Scout in 1972. Warren attended Whitesville First Baptist Church.

In addition to his mother, he is survived by his wife of 30 years, Toni Putinsky Coon; his son, Adam Coon; daughter, Courtney Coon; brother, Paul (Kay) Coon of Hernshaw; sisters, Pamela Cantley of Vancouver, Wash., Vivian (Tom) Higgins of Montgomery and Melinda (Rick) Fitzwater of Mount Zion; nephews, Michael Fiztwater and Ryan Fitzwater; nieces, Sarah (Chris) Foster, Jessica (Allen) Rehkemper, Emily (Josh) Bowles, Cassie Coon, Catherine Higgins and Kelsey Higgins; great-niece and nephews, Ryleigh, Phineas, Richey and Avery; and father-in-law, Sam (Carolyn) Putinsky of Teays Valley.

A memorial service will be held Friday, June 1, at Sherman High School. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m., with the service beginning at 2 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Sherman High School Football or Sherman High School Track and Field, P.O. Box AB, Seth, WV 25181; Racine Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 100, Racine, WV 25165; or Whitesville First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 526, Whitesville, WV 25209.

The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and medical personnel who fought to keep Warren with us as long as possible. To all who have kept Warren and the family in your thoughts and prayers, and for all the kind deeds you did for the family, we are forever grateful and we thank you.

Armstrong Funeral Home, Whitesville, is serving the Coon family.