Donnie Koonce, age 79, of Highlandville, passed away Friday, October 11, 2013. He was born September 21, 1934, in Lamesa, TX, to James and Myrtle (Abernathy) Koonce. He was united in marriage to Joann Mabe, August 12, 1969. Don was a fun loving character and a caring man. Don worked for Dayco for 26 years. Don learned to play guitar and played in several area bands for many years, mostly for fun. He played music at Silver Dollar City for 10 years, and loves blue grass and old time music the best. Don was a comedian and musician at the Bob-O-Link's show and Texans, known as Tom Thumbpick'it. He loved to play golf, bowling, crossword puzzles, swimming, and wood carving. Don loved spending time with his grand kids and watching them play sports. He never missed a game. Don was a member of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church. Don loved telling jokes and just being silly. Don had a big impact on many lives, and he will be dearly missed.
Don is survived by; his children, Debbie Peters, and Steve Venezio, and her two children, of Pueblo, CO, Marilyn Littlefield, husband Scott, and two children, of Washington State, Ray Koonce and wife Darla, and three children, of Pekin, IL, and Vicki Maples, and her three children, of Highlandville, and two other grandchildren; and one sister, Midge Thompson, of Texas; and 14 great grandchildren
Don is preceded in death by: his parents; his wife Joann, a son Jeff Koonce, daughters Terri Howell, and Ruth Ann Koonce, five brothers
, and five sisters.
Donnie Koonce was one of the folksingers whose recordings appear in the Max Hunter Folk Song Collection.  Links to eight of his songs, accompanying himself on guitar, recorded March 13, 1975 at Springfield, Missouri, may be found here:
https://maxhunter.missouristate.edu/indexsinger.aspx?

A visitati etter=Don will be held Monday, October 14, 2013, from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M, at Adams Funeral Home, Nixa. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, October 15, 2013, 11:00 A.M, at the funeral home. Burial will be at Highlandville Cemetery.