Gary L. Coon

Gary L. "Cooney" Coon, 89, of Karns City, formerly of Reno, passed away on Sunday, October 26, 2025 at home surrounded by his family.

Born to the late Elsie A. Harwick and George L. Coon, Gary was born on May 1, 1936 in Franklin.

After graduating from Rocky Grove High School, he enlisted into the Army and proudly served his country as Military Police while stationed in Korea.

After being honorably discharged, Gary worked in the oil industry for 42 years. He followed in his father's footsteps and began his career with Wolf's Head doing oil refining in Reno. When that location was shut down, he was transferred to its sister company, Penreco, in Karns City. He continued his career as a foreman there and later retired.

Gary was involved in many different hobbies and participated in numerous groups and organizations. Throughout his lifetime, he was involved in the Reno Volunteer Fire Department. He again took after his father, serving as Assistant Fire Chief for over a decade. He was also a brother of Petrolia Masonic Lodge No. 363, F & AM.

He had a deer processing business, Cooney's Deer Processing, which he ran during his time in Reno and in Karns City.

Gary married his wife, the former Arvilla M. Cropp, on May 15, 1965. They shared 60 years together, and she survives him.

Gary was a fan of dirt track racing. He used to race around the local tracks, his late model number being #32 special. He also enjoyed dirt bikes, snowmobiles, hunting, and fishing. His sportsman trips often took place with his son in the beautiful wilderness of Canada, Lake Erie, Colorado, or Idaho.

A man who enjoyed good competition, Gary enjoyed golfing, bowling, playing horseshoes and cards.

Mowing with his John Deere tractor was a passion of his. He mowed almost every day, whether it be his lawn, his neighbor's lawn, or his children's lawns.

Gary’s love of country western music is a quality of his that will continue to make his family smile any time they hear a familiar tune.

Traveling was another one of Gary's favorite pass times. After retirement, he and his wife enjoyed camping and traveling in their campers and motor home. They visited all 50 states together and made a lifetime of lasting memories.

Above all, Gary was a family man. He loved his children and adored his grandchildren. Each moment they spent together was a blessing and his family will continue to cherish the time they had with him.

In addition to his wife, Gary is survived by his children and grandchildren; a daughter, Sue (Dewayne) Mershimer of West Sunbury and her children Karlie (Shane) McCaslin of Indiana and Sydnie Mershimer and Fiancé Jarrod Miller of Pittsburgh, and a son, Mike (Julie) Coon and his children Ashley (Michael) Salerno and Cole Coon, all of East Brady. A sister, Betty Lou Gilmore of FL, a brother Bill (Cheryl) Coon of Franklin, and loved nieces and nephews are also left to cherish Gary's memory.

Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by two aunts, Ila Coon and Irma McLaughlin, and brother in-law Bob Gilmore.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to Huff-Guthrie Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. 312 W. Park St., Franklin where friends and family will be received from 11:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. Friday.

A celebration of life will be held immediately following in the funeral home chapel with Maddison Bakker, Certified Celebrant, officiating.

The V.E.T.S. Honor Guard will render military honors at the conclusion of the celebration of life.

Interment will take place at Reno Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Gary’s name to the Reno Volunteer Fire Department 10 4th St. Reno, PA 16343.

Now that he is finally at rest, we know he's already found a new project to work on, a new lawn to mow, and can finally sit still- at least for a moment.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.huffguthrie.com.