Born: January 25, 1968 - Deceased: 20221122
Gregory Alan Koontz, 54, of O’Fallon, IL, born Thursday, January 25, 1968 in Belleville, IL passed away Tuesday, November 22, 2022 at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in Saint Louis, MO.
Gregory worked as a driver for Bi-State Bus and Metro Link for over 25 years. He was a member of St. Matthew United Methodist Church in Belleville, IL. Greg was an avid singer, he loved to sing for the lord. He sang in various choirs, including: Fortress and Choir of the Church, Sounds of Harmony of Southwestern Illinois, Mississippi Valley Barbershop Chorus, 4 Part Harmony Barbershop Society, and Winstanley Baptist Church Chancel Choir. His passion was driven by his love of the Lord. Greg was a member of the Black Knights Drum and Bugle Corp, as well as, the Belleville West High School Marching Band where he attended and graduated in 1986. Gregory learned to play piano from his mother, Naomi Koontz, at a very young age encouraging his curiosities of a variety of musical instruments that included the french horn, trumpet, trombone and drums. Greg belonged to several groups including Celebrate Recovery, St. Matthew and Discovery Church in Collinsville, and also bowled for the Pin Pals League. He loved to travel and go camping with family. Greg had quite the sense of humor, infectious laugh, and robust personality that will be truly missed by all the many friends and family whose lives he touched.
He was preceded in death by:
- Wife:
- Sharon M., nee Fletcher, Koontz
- Parents:
- Finis O. and Naomi Ruth, nee Propst, Koontz
- Mother:
- Marie K. nee Cheek, James-Harper
- Nephews:
- Matthew Kettler
- Timothy Goethe
- Nieces:
- Kirsten L Casteel
- Haley Ward
Surviving are his:
- Daughter
- Alyssa M. Koontz
- Brothers:
- Jeff M. James of McKinney, TX
- Kevin (Joan) Koontz
- Sisters:
- DeeAnn Koontz,
- Karen, nee James (Marc) Casteel of Carrollton, TX
- Laura, nee James,(Jim) Buchanan of Crystal Lake, IL.
- Cynthia (Gene) Sirard of Michigan
- Lana (Dennis) Goethe of Riddott, IL
- Pam Patton of Houston, TX
- Alesia Modecki of PA
- Balinda McCaskey of PA
- Dear nieces and nephews and cousins.
Your many express condolences at www.kurrusfh.com
Memorials: In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Lupus Foundation of America.
https://www.lupus.org
Visitation: Visitation from 2:00 – 3:00 pm, Saturday, December 3, 2022 at St. Matthew United Methodist Church in Belleville, IL.
Funeral: Memorial Service will be held at 3:00 pm, Saturday, December 3, 2022 at St. Matthew United Methodist Church with private interment.
As Greg so aptly says, it’s time to “Get Outta Town!”
6 Comments
Condolences from the Belleville Black Knights Drum & Bugle Corps Alumni.
DeeAnn, sincere condolences to you on the loss of your brother. I’m not at all surprised at his love of music and instruments having witnessed your love of it when we were young, as well as your talent.
I worked with Greg at Bi State. He was a great guy.
RIP
Deepest Sympathy to the Koontz Family.
Former Coworker
I met Greg in training for Metrolink and he constantly kept us laughing! I’m so saddened by his passing. My condolences to his family.🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
Greg was a classmate of mine from K-12. I particularly remember him from our days at Emge Jr High. He was always a nice guy. He reached out a few years ago about doing an Emge reunion. Sorry we did not plan it. Rest in Peace Greg.