Robert "Bob" R. Coon

Rev. Robert “Bob” R. Coon, 90, of Goshen, went home with Jesus and was reunited with his beloved wife of 50 years, Helen, on Wednesday, July 28, 2021.

He was born February 17, 1931 in Dayton, Ohio.

Robert is survived by three children, Russell (Kathy) Coon, Goshen, Cathy (Merv) Bitikofer, St. George, Kansas and Dorothy Coon, Topeka; five grandchildren, Seth, Kenan, Jennie, Michelle and Jeremy; 10 great grandchildren; and two great-great grandchildren, with one more expected soon; several nieces and nephews.

Along with his wife, he was preceded in death by his father, Hugh T. Coon; his mother, Cora (Hilyard) Bowersock; step-father, John E. Bowersock; a sister, Dorothy Gudgeon; and four brothers, Milton, Kenneth, Thomas and Donald.

Robert served with the U.S. Marine Corps from 1949-1951. Following his service, Robert attended Grace College, Winona Lake and completed his bachelor’s degree at Bluffton College, now University, Bluffton, Ohio. He went on to complete his Master of Divinity at Mennonite Biblical Seminary, Chicago.

On June 24, 1956 he married Helen Neufeld at Grace Mennonite Church, Chicago. They worked together as Robert served as pastor at churches in Illinois, Kansas, Pennsylvania, and Oklahoma.

A long-time member of Topeka Mennonite Church, Topeka, he most recently was a member at Silverwood Mennonite Church, Goshen. Robert stayed active in retirement with varied interests. He was an avid singer and enjoyed singing with the Evergreen Singers while at Greencroft. He also enjoyed history and volunteered his time at the Topeka Train Depot, Topeka and Menno-Hof, Shipshewana, guiding tours and assisting with displays. He also served as a chaplain at Traveler’s Rest Resort, Dade City, Florida from 2000-2004.

Visitation will be Tuesday, August 3, from 3 to 5 and 6 to 8 p.m. and Wednesday, August 4, from 10 until the 11 a.m. funeral service at Silverwood Mennonite Church, 1745 W. Lincoln Ave., Goshen. Pastor Jeremy Shue will officiate.

Masks are expected to be worn inside the building by those attending services.

Per Bob’s wishes cremation will take place after the services and a graveside service will be held at a later date at Maple Grove Cemetery, Topeka.

Memorial gifts may be directed to the Topeka Historical Society or Silverwood Mennonite Church.

For a full detailed biography visit Find a Grave and search under Robert R. Coon.