Lee Edward Koon, 91, of Paron passed away peacefully on July 9, at home, surrounded by his family. He was born on May 30, 1927 to the late John Callie Koon and Lula Isabelle McBurnett Koon.

He is preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Betty Jo Koon; parents; siblings Minnie McFarlin, Callie Koon, Jewel Koon, Marian Johnson, Betty L. Koon, Darrell Koon & Silva Koon; son Kirk Slater; and son-in-law Tony Waters.

He is survived by daughters, Betty Waters (Danny), Sharon Waters, Tina Leslie (Gary) and Fran Martin (Phillip); nephew he raised as his own son, Marcus Modlin Jr. (Debbie); grandchildren, Sonya Goodwin (Kent), Allen Waters, James Lee Flowers Jr, Chrystal Baker (Adam), Lee Modlin (Penny), Melissa Harrington, Julie Dyson, Lyndsey Harwood, Katelynn Dwyer, Brad Slater, Dustin Slater, & Shannon Witham; he had 22 great-grandchildren including Nic Goodwin, Carter Goodwin, Preston Goodwin, Capree Free, Tre' Davis (Keilynn), Brady Baker and Brantlee Baker; two great-great grandchildren and a host of family and friends who all loved him and will miss him dearly.

Lee was a member of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in Ferndale. He served in the Navy in 1945-1946. He worked on an oil rig in his early adulthood and then became a hardworking carpenter that specialized in trim work and cabinets. Lee enjoyed baseball and was a great pitcher in his day. His love of the game continued as he supported his kids and grandkids on the ball field – he was their biggest fan. He loved his family fiercely and had very special relationships with his children, nieces, nephews, grandkids and great grandkids all of whom he spoiled rotten in their youth. Daddy, Lee Edward, Uncle Lee, Papa, and Papa Edward were all titles that he proudly held and did so deservingly and with love. His house was always full of the laughter and craziness of the kids that he loved & spoiled and that very much loved him. Lee also loved to hunt, fish and garden.

A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Tuesday, July 24 at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, 27025 Kanis Road, Little Rock, AR.