Gearl Dee Koonce died peacefully at his home on July 20, 2023 with family by his side. He lived in the Sun City community of Georgetown, Texas and was 89 years of age. He was born on November 17, 1933 in Stanton Texas, to M.L. "Red" and Reva Koonce. He graduated from Stanton High School in 1951 and attended Schreiner College ('51-52), Graceland College ('52-53), and Sul Ross State University ('53-55) where he earned a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration.

He met Katherine Lancaster at Graceland College and they married on June 25, 1955 in Detroit, Michigan. They then lived in Puyallup, Washington from 1956-'57 while Gearl served in the U.S. Navy. In 1958, Gearl and Katherine moved to Midland, Texas where he worked for Marathon Oil Company for 38 years as an inventory management specialist. Gearl and Katherine resided in Iraan, Texas and Houston before moving back to Midland in 1978. They remained in Midland until their move to Sun City in 1997. Gearl and Katherine were happily married for 53 years until Katherine passed away in 2008. In 2009, Gearl married Betty Hannon from Midland and they had 14 wonderful years together with a lot of laughs and fun travels to Hawaii, Alaska, France, and the British Isles.

Gearl was a High Priest in the Community of Christ Church, and a devoted member of the Lions Club serving as president in the local clubs in Midland and Georgetown. He was an avid golfer, had a great passion for singing, and participated in many musical activities such as the Sun City Follies, Sun City Singers, and men's barbershop choruses. Gearl enthusiastically loved life, was an extraordinarily generous person, and brought joy to many.

Gearl was preceded in death by his parents, a twin brother Earl Koonce, and younger brothers Roy Koonce and Thadd Koonce. He is survived by his wife, Betty; his son Lee Gearl Koonce and wife Annie of Burleson, Texas; his daughter Barbara Helen Koonce and husband Jody Denberg of Austin, Texas; his son James Alan Koonce and wife Ann of Nashville, Tennessee; four grandchildren Andrew James Koonce and Katherine Joella Koonce of Fort Worth, Texas, and Kyle Alan Koonce and Katherine Diana Koonce of Nashville, Tennessee; and his stepchildren Ted Hannon and wife Susan of Midland, Texas and Brenna McCurry and husband Brian of Rowlett, Texas.

Gearl's family deeply appreciates the care provided by the staff of ComForCare and Hospice Austin and is thankful to the many friends who supported Gearl as his health declined. A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 12, 2023 at Ramsey Funeral Home, Georgetown, Texas. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Graceland University, Outreach International, or ChildFund.