Melvin "Mel" Dean Koon

**UPDATE** Due to expected weather conditions, the memorial service scheduled for Saturday, December 13, has been canceled.  A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Melvin “Mel” Dean Koon, 73, of Newton died on Friday, November 7, 2025, at his home.   Memorials to the South Skunk Blues Society or an Animal Rescue League of the Donor’s Choice may be left at the celebration of life or at the Wallace Family Funeral Home and Crematory.

Mel, the son of Delwin and Margaret (Chebuhar) Koon, was born on October 12, 1952, in Marshalltown.  As a baby he lived in Baxter with his mother until his dad came home from the service. They then moved to Newton where Mel would attend Newton Community Schools.  After school, Mel moved to Des Moines and worked at AMF.  He later moved back to Newton and worked at API and Oscars, where he was known as the “King of the Kamikaze.” After API closed, Mel worked as a custodian for many years at the Newton Community School District, retiring in 2013.

Mel loved blues music and would travel all over for concerts.  He was a founding member of the local South Skunk Blues Society.  When Jim Danny from the band Black Oak Arkansas would come to the area to perform, he would always stay with Mel.  Mel also was a member of the VFW, Sons of the American Legion, and the Izaak Walton League. He enjoyed motorcycles and collecting. Mel lived his life his way but always had a strong love of family.  He once said about his dad, “No matter good or bad we could always count on Dad. He was the best friend I ever had.” Mel loved animals, especially his two cats, Covid and Ginger.

Mel is survived by his siblings, Dan (Kelley) Koon of Overland Park, Kansas, Mary (Danny) Mattix of Monroe, and Diane Curry of Bondurant; his nephews and nieces, Ryan (Liz) Mattix. Ross Mattix, Jason (Katie) Curry, and Heather (Kris) Erdman; great nieces and nephews, Omar (Maja), Youseif, Sawyer, and Emerson; and his many close friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother-in-law, Dave Curry.

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