Mr. Carl D. Koone

August 26, 1922 - February 18, 2021

Carl D. Koone of Little Rock and Cleveland, Arkansas, died February 18, 2021 in Little Rock. He was 98 years of age, born August 26, 1922. Carl was a graduate of Scotland High School and the University of Arkansas graduating with a bachelor’s and a master’s degree. Carl’s formal education was interrupted during the 1940’s by military service in the U.S. Army Air Force during World War II. He served in the Fifteenth Air force, 99th Bomb Group, completing fifty combat missions as an armament specialist and aerial gunner posted in North Africa and Southern Italy. His professional career was spent in Central and South America, residing in several countries over the period of 29 years, assisting in the identification, design and implementation of economic development programs essential for improving their living standards. Since 1980 his major achievement was establishing and managing a tree farm in Conway and Van Buren counties. He was an avid, life-long fisherman and always enjoyed his fishing buddies. He is survived by his daughter, Marsha Koone Gassan, her husband Mark and children, Virginia (Sean Melendreras) and Matthew (Rebecca Landau); a son, Dr. Donald Koone, his wife Catherine and children Adrian Koone Kistner (Peter) and Caroline Koone Parham (Quin); cousins, Ila and Kim Newberry with whom he resided for the final years of his life. He is also survived by eleven nieces and nephews and their families. He was predeceased by Beatrice (Bea) Kincannon Koone, his wife of 34 years and mother of their children; his parents Albert Koone and Gertie Bost Koone; his brother Harold Koone ; and a sister Nelma Faye Williams. The Family wants to thank his sitters and the nurses and staff of St. Vincent Infirmary for all the care and comfort they provided. A memorial service and internment will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Foundation.