Max Jay Coon Jr.

Our loving husband, father, granddad, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend, Max Jay Coon Jr., age 78, passed from this life unexpectedly on November 4, 2023. His death has left a deep hole in our hearts and he will forever be missed.

Max was born August 11, 1945, in San Francisco, California, to Max Jay Coon Sr. and Verna Naylor Coon (Cleverly).The family settled in Magna, Utah, in his early boyhood years, where he enjoyed outdoor activities with his dad and Granddad Coon. He tragically lost his beloved father at the tender age of 13. He carried this heartache with him the rest of his life. Because of this, he developed a tremendous love and devotion for his family.

Max was the oldest of six children. After the death of his father he became the man of the house, helping his mother where he could. He also formed a close and protective relationship with his younger sister, Debby. As a student, Max enjoyed competing on his high school swim team, but found it hard to adjust to a new school when moving to Bountiful, Utah, after his mother remarried. In his teen years he worked at his step-father's gas station for gas-money, often driving to Pace’s for his favorite cherry coke and cheeseburger. 

Max was a man of service. In 1964, he was called to serve an LDS Mission to the East Central States. He often spoke of his great love for the gospel and the prophet Joseph Smith. He was an active member of the Church where he held various callings including Elders Quorum President, Family History Representative, and the Stake Missionary Presidency. He enjoyed singing in the choir at Christmas and Easter.  His most treasured calling was serving in the 4th ward bishopric with Bishop Farrell Butler. He also found great joy researching family names, and attending the temple with his sweetheart Pat. 

Patsy Kay Palmer was the love of his life and his whole world for 55 years. They met through mutual friends, and soon married February 9, 1968, in the Salt Lake City Temple. Two years after marrying, they moved to Grantsville where they raised three sons and one daughter. His greatest passion for life centered around his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was proud of his family and often exexpressed his love and gratitude for them. 

Some of Max’s interests were hunting, dutch oven dinners, working on his skid steer, watching movies, collecting coins, model trains, and attending family activities. He could fix anything and was skillful in woodworking. Several of his wood signs can still be seen around town. Every year he would plant a garden filled with his favorites: tomatoes and strawberries. 

He served a total of six years in the National Guard right out of high school. He retired from the Tooele Army Depot in 1993 and started a vinyl fencing business that was successful for many years. Max was a well known member of the community, participating on the Tooele Federal Credit Union Supervisory Committee and the Grantsville Planning and Zoning Committee. 

Max is preceded in death by his parents and step-father, Don Cleverly; beloved father and mother-in-law Charles and Virginia Palmer; brother-in-law Gary Callister; sister Barbara Veylupek; nieces Lori Palmer and Michelle Rose. 

He is survived by his wife, Pat and their 4 children: Max Jay III (Sherrie) Coon, Jeff (Jenimarie) Coon, Bruce Coon(Jason Scott) and Camille (Jay R) Didericksen, as well as 19 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren with one on the way. He is also survived by 4 siblings; 1 brother-in-law and 2 sisters-in-law; many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. 

A viewing will be held Thursday, November 9, 2023, from 6-8 pm at the chapel located at 550 E Durfee St, Grantsville, UT.

Funeral services will be Friday, November 10, 2023, at 11:00 am at the same location.   A viewing will be held an hour prior to the funeral. Interment will follow at Grantsville Cemetery.

Click on the link below to watch the services live:

https://grantsville.live/grantsville14th

Max's family would like to express deep appreciation and gratitude for the immense out-pouring of love from family, friends and neighbors, with a special thanks to Grantsville 14th ward and Didericksen Memorial.