Eugene "Gene" Coons

Eugene Virgil “Gene” Coons, departed his earthly home in Cross City, Florida, peacefully in his sleep, and entered into his heavenly home on Monday, July 9, 2018. Bro. Gene was born August 11, 1941 in Gallatin, New York and proud to serve his country in the U.S. Navy. Praise the Lord for the Navy because that is how he met Karen in Orlando, FL. After they wed, they started their business, American Blue Printing. In 1976, Bro. Gene surrendered to the Lord’s call to full time ministry. He earned his BD, Masters, and Doctor of Ministry from Luther Rice Seminary. He began his ministry by serving as a deacon at Victory Baptist Church, Orlando, FL. In 1978, he was ordained into Gospel Ministry and served as pastor at Oak Dale Baptist Church, Newberry, FL for almost 8 years, then the Lord called him into full time Evangelism for 8 years. In 1994, the Lord called Bro. Gene to pastor Hope Baptist Church, Theressa, FL for over 14 years. During his tenure, church facilities and properties were expanded and established Hope Christian Academy. In 2008, Bro. Gene retired full time pastoral ministries. He and Sister Karen moved to Cross City, FL and he served several churches in that area as interim Pastor. He loved spending time with his family, fishing, golfing and watching sports. Bro. Gene’s mission in life was preaching the word, exhaulting the saved, witnessing for Christ and mentoring young preachers. Bro. Gene is survived by his wife of 54 years, Karen Coons; daughter, Kristen Coons McRae (Malcolm) of Tallahassee, FL; brothers, Bobby (Delores) Coons, Raymond (Pam) Coons, Clifford (JoAnn) Coons, all of NY, and Terry (Gwen) Coons, of Newberry, FL; sisters, Veronica Urban, Irene Wilms, Joanna Decker, Linda (Son) Tran, all of NY, and Sherry (John) Scism, of PA and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Kerri Coons, brothers, Ernie Coons and baby Robert, sisters, Jean Cade, Kim Martin and Carol Wilms, and his parents Ernest and Caroline Coons. Funeral services for Bro. Gene will be held 3:00 pm Thursday, July 12, 2018 at New Prospect Baptist Church, with Rev. Donnie Lott, Pastor Jason Jones, and Pastor Jeffrey Vaught officiating. Interment will follow at New Prospect Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First Baptist Church of Jena, building fund. Arrangements have been placed under the care of Rick Gooding Funeral Home, Cross City, FL 352-498-5400 and Chiefland, FL 352-493-0050. Please sign the online guest book at rickgoodingfuneralhomes.com

Eugene "Gene" Coons

August 11, 1941 - July 9, 2018