Dr. Kenneth Lloyd ”Ken” Coon, Sr., age 87 of Hot Springs, Arkansas, formerly of Mountain View, Arkansas, died on Tuesday, December 8, 2022, at his home. Coon was a member of the School Avenue Church of Christ, of Mountain View, Arkansas, a Veteran of the United States Air Force and a graduate of the University of Arkansas. He was married to Sue Coon and had two children, Catherine and Ken, Jr.
Ken had a successful membership in the Arkansas Jaycees where he served in a number of positions at both the local and state level. He was president of the organization in 1971-72 when he was named one of the five outstanding state presidents in the nation. He touched many lives through his Jaycee service and commonly had people tell him of his positive impact on their lives.
Ken Coon made a major contribution to the establishment of the two-party system in Arkansas. He worked tirelessly for some twenty years to build the Republican party. He ran for office three times ” Governor in 1974, Lt. Governor in 1972 and Congress in 1996. Although he was not a victor in these races, he understood that the Arkansas GOP would have to run credible candidates repeatedly, and build gradually up to a 51[%] vote until it could win consistently. Ken understood the nature of this challenge and was willing to sacrifice in the short run for the success of a two-party state in the long run.
In addition, to his public office races, he also served in numerous party offices. He was the hired Executive Director from 1972-1976; was a County Chairman, District Chairman, and, finally, State Chairman from 1988-1990. Ken was one of the key players in building the modern Republican Party in Arkansas.
As a Psychologist and Counselor, Coon built a successful management consulting practice serving businesses in Central Arkansas. He offered consulting, training and counseling services to CEO’s and owners of both small and large businesses alike. As a Professor at Webster University, he taught Human Resource Development and was a pioneer in Arkansas for new methods of improving the effectiveness of individuals, teams and organizations. As an Executive Coach, he quietly helped several of Arkansas’ prominent families and corporations to achieve their goals and grow their businesses to the next generation.
When not busy in business and civic endeavors, Coon spent time developing his farm to benefit his family. Dr. Coon was a builder. He sought to improve whatever entity in which he was involved whether it was his family, his business, a client’s business or civic organizations. Many individuals and organizations are better because he passed their way.
Funeral services will be 1:00 pm Tuesday, December 13, 2022, at Roller-Chenal Funeral Home, 13801 Chenal Parkway followed by Funeral Services at 1:00 pm on Wednesday, December 14, 2022, at the School Avenue Church of Christ, 213 School Avenue, Mountain View, Arkansas, followed by a graveside service at 1:00 pm on Thursday, December 15, 2022, at Indian Village Cemetery south of Calhoun, Louisiana.
