Frank James Coon was born April 2, 1933 to E. Charles Coon and Ethel May (Tucker) Coon in Hancock Township, in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. He was one of fifteen children–9 girls and 6 boys. His childhood was filled with lots of great stories and even many photos that show life with so many siblings was never dull!
Frank was a hard worker from early childhood and all through life. Entrepreneurship was a passion of his. He was a Jack-of-all-Trades. Throughout his life he helped take care of the family farm, worked at the bowling alley setting up the pins, had a milk route with his brother, built swimming pools, was an electrician, worked at the Dredge in Duluth, served in the Army, worked as a security guard, owned “Take-A-Break Foods” and “All About Windows and Screens”.
He could outwork anyone! You could find him digging holes, diligently taking care of his gardens, and up on his ladders working away, until one year ago when his family made him stop.
He met and married the love of his life, Idella Callahan in 1961. They had three children and ran multiple businesses together. They even built their dream home together in Denair, CA. Frank served in the church his entire life and desired to honor God. He was also a master storyteller, leaving behind dozens of written stories of his life, for his grandchildren. He proudly wrote them and had the privilege of reading them to his grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Frank loved to laugh. He loved a good joke but couldn’t actually complete one because he would crack himself up before the punch line was even given. He was so proud of his family. Especially his grandchildren and their families. He found so much joy and peace in just being in the same room as them.
Monday morning, September 15, 2025, his faith became sight as he entered Heaven while listening to his great grandchildren tell him jokes, work on their school by his bedside and sing songs to him. He took his last breaths as his family held his hands and told him he leaves behind an incredible legacy of his children and grandchildren walking with God.
Frank is preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Idella Mae (Callahan) Coon. His parents, E. Charles Coon and Ethel May (Tucker) Coon. By his siblings, Barbara (Addison) Finch, Blanche (Walter) Erickson, Donald (Marlene) Coon, Janet Eddleman, Charlotte (Robert) Olive, Dorothy (Bruce) Carle, Paul Coon, Ethel (James) Carter, Donna Whitesall and David Coon. Frank is survived by his three children and their spouses: Robin (Coon) Elliott and Morrison Elliott. Chuck and Michelle Coon. Paul and Veronica Coon. By his grandchildren and their families. Morri and Shallon Elliott- Landon, Laine and Lexi. Stephannie (Elliott) and Caleb Fontes- Levi and Kensie. Garett and Kaitlin Elliott- Maverick and Kaison. David and Emily Coon. Katie (Coon) and Jerome Williams. Breeana Myers- Jade Rorex, Jack Rorex, and Wyatt Lindsey Elisha Graziono- Lillie Chevalier and Emma Joe Donahoo. By his siblings Ralph Coon, Virginia Pinten, Howard (Sharon) Coon and Shirley (Jake) Skewes. Brothers-in-law, Dean Eddleman and Terry Whitesall.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to LightHouse Family Church, P.O. Box 375, Turlock CA, 95381.
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