Allen Koontz Obituary

Allen Kevin Koontz Sr.

Aug 5, 1933 - Oct 2, 2025

Norwalk

The spirit of Allen Kevin Koontz Sr., a deeply admired and loved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and community member, departed peacefully at his home Thursday, October 2, 2025, with his partner, Anne Seaman, at his side. He was 92.

Born August 5, 1933, in Hastings, Pennsylvania, Al was the son of David and Bernadette Koontz. After high school, he joined the Navy and earned his electrical engineering degree from Monroe College in Washington, D.C., before proudly serving in the Korean War.

Following his honorable discharge, Al began a prolific and distinguished career with NASA, first in Cleveland and later at Plum Brook Station in Sandusky after moving to Norwalk. His groundbreaking electrical engineering work contributed to some of the nation's most ambitious space projects, including the Apollo 11 mission, the Mars Pathfinder, and nuclear power research. He was immensely proud to have his name, along with his instrumental colleagues, inscribed on the Pathfinder spacecraft. Even in his later years, Al continued to share his expertise, working as a consultant for Ford Motor Company and Sierra Lobo until the age of 84.

Al was a man of many passions and dedicated much of his life to service. He was an active and generous volunteer at St. Paul's Catholic Church, a member of the Norwalk Elks Lodge 730 (where he spent countless hours rewiring the lodge), and a member of the Knights of Columbus. He dedicated years as a Boy Scout Leader and tirelessly videotaped football games and wrestling matches for St. Paul's sports teams. In retirement, he and Anne volunteered at the Norwalk Memorial Home, Norwalk Age Exchange helping youth in the community thrive with schoolwork, and the Norwalk Senior Center.

Al had many talents. He was a natural musician who loved his guitar, harmonica, singing, and dancing. His family cherishes fond memories of his musical talents. There were many impromptu porch and living room concerts. He was also a gifted athlete and his shelves were lined with trophies, a testament to his competitive spirit in bowling and golf. Golf was his true passion, earning him the nicknames "Iron Man" and "Down the Middle Al" at the Elks and Eagle Creek. He achieved the rare feat of five holes-in-one during his golfing days and was deeply honored by his induction into the Heritage Park at Eagle Creek.

Later in life, he developed a love for acrylic painting, creating beautiful landscapes and wildlife pieces. He enjoyed traveling with Anne, Cozumel, Mexico, being their favorite destination.

Al's keen mind made him a master at all kinds of card and board games. Friends and family truly relished the rare times they could pull off an upset and actually beat him. His family especially cherishes the many hours spent around a table-laughing, enjoying fun snacks, and competing for hours on end. The moment one game ended, the inevitable question would be, "What game are we playing next?"

Al is survived by his beloved partner of 11 years, Anne Seaman; his loving children, Allen Kevin Koontz Jr. and Cynthia (Craig) Yakscoe; and his sister, Delores (Koontz) Dillon. He was a proud grandfather to Andrew (Gillean) Yakscoe and Amanda (Kaleb) Yakscoe, and a great-grandfather to Sylas Silva. He also leaves behind Anne's children, who loved him as well, John (Adrienne) Leake, Andrea (Dale) Allen, and David Leake, as well as Andrea's children, Sydney Allen and Symon Allen.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 57 years, Veronica (Rubus) Koontz; his parents, David and Bernadette Koontz; his brothers, David Koontz, Ralph Koontz and Clair Koontz; and his daughter-in-law, Barb (Bates) Koontz.

A Celebration of Life will be at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to one of the following organizations: Huron County Humane Society, 246 Woodlawn Ave, Norwalk, Ohio 44857 or Southern Care Hospice, 9501 US Highway 250N, Suite 2, Milan, Ohio 44846

Arrangements entrusted to Evans Funeral Home, 314 E. Main Street, Norwalk.