Gene Arden Coon Sr.

Mr. Gene Arden Coon Sr, 82, of Connelly Springs, passed away on Sunday, March 29, 2026, at Catawba Valley Medical Center.

Gene was born on November 6, 1943, in Paulding County, OH, to the late Russell Franklin Coon and Virginia Caryer Coon. He was employed with General Electric for 25 years, before becoming a truck driver for many years up until his retirement.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Rowena Coon, brother, Russell Ray Coon, and in-laws, Charles and Dorothy Fellers.

Surviving is his wife, Norma Bernier Coon, of the home, three daughters, Lisa Clemens of Hickory, Brandy Pruette and husband Lance of Hickory, Capri Cunningham and husband Chuck of Newton, one son, Gene Coon Jr. of Hickory, and two stepdaughters, Tia Eaton and husband Carl of Maine, and Windi Gagne and husband Dana of New Hampshire. Also surviving is a sister, Janet Wirick of Ohio, his grandchildren; Amanda Baldridge (Jayme) of Defiance, OH, RJ Clemens (Stacey) of Bryan, OH, Ashley Sherry (Aaron) of Van Wert, OH, Elisha Pruette (Taylor) of Hickory, Joshua Pruette of Hickory, Rachel Cunningham (Justin), and Madison Cunningham (Seth), and numerous great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at 2:00 P.M. in the Chapel of Heritage Funeral Service. Interment will follow at Wilkie’s Grove Baptist Church Cemetery.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, from 6:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. at Heritage Funeral Service in Valdese.

An online guestbook and obituary is available at www.heritagefuneralservices.com

Heritage Funeral Service & Crematory of Valdese is assisting the Coon family.