FRED LEONARD KOONCE, 77, of Winfield, Kansas, passed away Monday morning, January 6, 2014 at his home.

Born on September 2, 1936 in Winfield, he was the son of Melvin Maynard and Jewel Lucille Koonce. He was raised and received his education in Winfield and graduated from Winfield High School in 1955.

Fred was employed at Fennecs dairy while in high school and then went to work for the Santa Fe Railroad. He was a member of the Civil Air Patrol from 1954-1955 and the National Guard from 1954-1957. He assisted with the Udall tornado disaster in May of 1955.

He was united in marriage in 1955 to Shirley Maynard and to this union three children were born, Melvin, Tresa and Chris. The couple later divorced. Fred lived in Salt Lake City for a short time where he operated his own business. He moved back to Winfield and was employed at the Winfield State Hospital & Training Center.

Fred was united in marriage to Linda Brock in 1982 and became an instant step-father and friend to Tracy, David, Angela and Richard. The couple cared for individuals in their home until Fred's health began to decline.

Fred was a member of the Central Baptist Church. He loved to hunt and fish, travel and go to the casinos. He also did some stock car racing in the 1950's. Fred enjoyed taking his grandchildren fishing, hunting and gathering pecans. He was a good husband, loving father, step-father, grandpa, papa and friend.

His family includes:
His wife: Linda of the home;
His sons: Melvin Koonce and wife Christin of Houston, TX; and Chris Koonce and wife Cathy of Dallas, TX;
His daughter: Tresa Johnson and husband Brett of Marysville, WA;
His stepsons: Tracy Freeman and wife Kristen of Winfield, KS; David Freeman and wife Kathleen of Lawrence, KS; and Richard Brock and wife Cheryl of Winfield, KS;
His step-daughter: Angela Lolar and husband Howard of Winfield, KS;
His sisters-in-law: Kay Bond and Jackie Arndt;
His adopted sisters: Millie Maxwell and Jo Haynes;
His grandchildren: Thomas, Ryan, Corey, Chris, Britney, Tiffany, Sarah, David, LaTisha, Michael, Tracy Don, Tessa, Elizabeth, Tristin, Carly, Tanner and Daltin; and
His great-grandchildren: Jakob, Quinton, K'Jean and Annariah.
Fred was preceded in death by his parents and a host of other family members including his brothers-in-law, Jake Bond and Carl Arndt.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 A.M., Wednesday, January 8, 2014 at Miles Funeral Service in Winfield. Friends may call at the funeral home from 5:00 to 8:00 P.M., Tuesday, January 7, 2014 and the family will greet friends from 6:00 to 7:00 P.M., that evening. Inurnment services will take place at a later date.

A memorial has been established in Fred's name to help his family with his medical expenses. Contributions may be made through the funeral home.