Billy Ray Coons II

Billy Ray Coons II, 53, Palmyra, Mo., passed away at 8:13 a.m., Sunday, Aug. 20, 2023, at his home in Palmyra.

Billy was born Dec.28, 1969, in Hannibal, Mo., to Billy Ray Coons Sr. and Susan Walotka Coons. He was married to Jae Shanks on July 6, 1991, in Palmyra. She survives.

Other survivors include his parents, Billy Ray Sr. and Susan Coons; children, Cassie Coons, Center, Mo.; Levi Coons (Whitney), Monroe City, Mo.; Krissy Rathbone (Alex), Palmyra; and Dakota Coons (Adrian Miller), Palmyra; sister, Julie Coons Hedges (Jay), Kearney, Mo.; grandchildren, Bo Long, Lainna Rathbone, Wilson Rathbone and Lakelynn Rathbone, Hazel Rathbone and Addilynn Rathbone; nephews, Ethan and Heath Hedges; and numerous additional nieces, nephew, and extended family.

He was preceded in death by his best friend, David Kiem; his grandparents, Lawrence and Aileen (Kinnaird) Walotka and George and Leona (Oliver) Coons. 

Professionally Billy started out working in farming and at Diemakers in Monroe City before dedicating his career to General Mills, working as lead maintenance and further into maintenance planner, together totaling 25 years.   

He was the kind of guy who could make things happen and fix just about anything. Billy had a big heart and was quick to offer a hand where needed.  

Although, he was a good ole’ country boy, his family knew he had a bit of an ornery side and ornery smile to go along with it. He liked to cut up and joke around, often pulling little pranks to get a laugh. 

Billy was most at home outside, where he maintained his piece of heaven in the country with pride, always working on something that needed to be done. When he had a bit of down time he enjoyed hunting, fishing and most anything that had to do with being outdoors in the woods. 

Growing up he was avid in 4-H and FFA. He enjoyed riding his horses and showing.  In later years he became a leader for 4-H, helping his own kids and others. 

He also liked to collect Ruger guns, go boating with his friends and family and four-wheelin’ when he could. 

He was a selfless man, great husband, wonderful father, and all around great guy. Billy has four children whom he was very proud of every single day.  His family was his pride and his joy. He was their “go to”, their rock, their fixer, their confidant and the one they could always, without a doubt, count on. His grandchildren he loved unconditionally and was proud to be called “Papa.”

A memorial service was held Saturday Aug. 26, at Lewis Brothers Funeral Chapel in Palmyra. Pastor Kent Lewis officiated.

Honorary pallbearers were Aaron Utterback, Jay Hedges, Levi Coons, Dakota Coons, Ethan Hedges, Heath hedges, Shawn Keim, Duane Schultz, Wes McMurdo, Shawn Seals, Ronald Peer, Greg Keim and Troy Thomas.

Memorials may be made to/titled (Grandchildren of Billy Coons).

Online condolences may be shared and video tribute may be viewed at www.LewisBrothersFuneralChapel.com.