Ronald Gary (Ron) Coon, age 86, of Traverse City and formerly of Hillsdale, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 16, 2025. He was born on May 2, 1939, in Hillsdale to Frank A. Coon Jr. and Margaret I. Coon (Johnson), and on July 3, 1959, he married the love of his life, Mary Martha Laird.
He graduated from Hillsdale High School in 1957 and went on to earn his BA at Hillsdale College and his MA at Sienna Heights.
Ron dedicated much of his life to education and community service in Hillsdale, Michigan. He wore many hats over the years: teacher, athletic director, referee, umpire, and member of the chain gang, and he approached each role with commitment, humor, and heart. He especially loved teaching Michigan Model, where he took pride in equipping students with real-life skills they could carry with them long after they left his classroom.
Ron was also fondly remembered for his summers spent in the passenger seat as a driver's education instructor, where one rule was non-negotiable: don't spill his coffee, or risk failing.
Outside of work, he was an avid ice fisher, despite many protests from Mary, and a devoted Detroit Lions fan long before it was ever cool to be one. He was a proud golfer, known just as much for his love of the game as for the colorful language that often accompanied his swing.
In his opinion, the three best things he did in his life were marrying Mary, quitting drinking, and moving up to Traverse City to be in his grandchildren's lives.
He is preceded in death by his parents Frank Jr. and Margaret Coon (Powers), Brother-in-law Andy Parzych, Euchre Partner and beloved cousin Gloria Triechman, and many special friends.
Ron is survived by his beloved wife of 66 years, Mary Coon; his loving children: Doug (Angela) Coon, Cathy Coon, Monica Meyer, Debbie (Tom) Wyatt, and Carrie (Dave) Smith; and his cherished grandchildren: Katie and Sophie Wyatt, Max Meyer, and Ella, Rena, and Silas Smith.
He is also survived by his siblings, Chuck Coon and Robin (John) Gissal, brother-in-law Jim (Lois) Laird, sister-in-law's Ann Parzych, and Pat (Dennis) Morrison, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and dear friends who will miss his warm presence and generous spirit.
A Family Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
Memorial contributions can be given to Hospice of Michigan and/or The Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation and would be appreciated by the family.