Biography:

Gerald Allen Koonce, 78, passed away peacefully at home on October 27. He leaves behind his wife, Myrna Thomas, his sisters Wilma Keller (John) and Janice O'Neal (Doyel), half-sister Amy Schmidt (Justin), nieces and nephews, and great-nephews and a great-niece. He is preceded in death by his mother Pat, his father Gene, and his brother Robert. 

Gerald was born in Evansville, Indiana in 1947. His family lived briefly in Minnesota before moving to Little Rock when he was in the first grade. He graduated from Hall High and served in the Vietnam War.  Upon his return Gerald attended  and  graduated from Rhodes College, where he was well-known as the editor of the school paper. He formed lifelong friendships in his time there. Gerald did post-graduate work at the University of Mississippi and U of A at Little Rock.   

Gerald's first job was as a paper delivery boy with his brother. He held other jobs but his two careers were as a journalist and a software engineer. He served as editor, photographer and writer at the Newport newspaper.  He worked briefly at the Arkansas Democrat, then worked as a copy editor and in IT at The Arkansas Gazette until its closure. After a few consulting jobs and  a brief stint at the AR Highway Dept he landed on his feet at what is now Euronet Worldwide. He installed banking software around the world and enjoyed seeing places he'd only read about as a newspaper editor. 

Gerald loved to travel. He loved sports as a spectator and to try his hand at them. He was a follower of professional soccer, along with college basketball and baseball. Gerald was a dedicated runner for many years. He played competitive duplicate bridge as a Diamond Life Master and was an avid reader. Besides being a patron of the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra, he  attended The New Orleans Jazz Festival, and other music festivals and rock concerts over the years. He was a loving, kind, and supportive husband, brother and uncle.  

A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date. 

In lieu of flowers donations can be made in his name to institutions most dear to his heart: Central Arkansas Library System, Parents Without Partners, and The Bridge House.