Koontz, John Thomas ""JT"

Passed: 2012-02-15

Age: 75

Source: Charleston Daily Mail

Death Notice:

Obituary Date: 2012-02-18

Information:      John Thomas ""JT"" Koontz, 75,well-known and longtime area gospel singer, of Kenna was called to his heavenly home Wednesday, February 16, 2012, at home surrounded by his lovling family.  He was born January 30, 1937, a son of the late Ezra Oshel and Freda Mae Dorsey Koontz.  He was retired from the State of West Virginia, and was a member of Goldtown Community Church, were he served as choir director for 20 years.  JT began his singing career in the 1950s, and sang with several gospel groups over the years, such as The King's Harmony Boys; The Newsmen; The Calvarymen Quartet; The Shoremen Quartet; The Pauley's and most recently his family group, The Koontz Family.  He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Tony Koontz;  sisters, Lillian Fisher McCorkle and Edith Crank; and brothers, William D. ""Buddy"" Koontz and Oshel ""OJ"" Koontz.   Surviving are his wife, Bonnie Good Koontz, sons and daughters-in-law, Steven and Michelle Koontz of Ripley, and Chris and Meredith Koontz of Kenna; former daughter-in-law, who he still considered as a close member of the family, Lori Lanier; sister, Francis Harrison of Swansboro, NC; grandchildren, Elizabeth Koontz, Andrea Koontz Barr and her husband, Joey, and their daughter, Zoie, Issace, Ethan and Eli Koontz and Daniel and Samuel Parsons; nephews, Larry Fisher, Richard Crank, Greg Koontz, Travis Koontz and James Harrison; and niece, Catheryn Brooks.  Service will be 2 p.m. Sunday at Goldtown Community Church with the Rev. Al Mendez and the Rev. Aaron Jones officiating.  Burial will be in Flora Hill Gardens of Memories, Pocatalico.  Friends may call from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday at the church.  Good Shephard Mortuary, South Charleston is in charge of arrangements.