Private Earl Tracy Koons

Son of Mr. and Mrs. Alvy Koons of Yuma.

	Stone Reads: F.S.B.H Earl Troy Koons Born Jan, 8, 1897 Enlisted Aug 27, 1918 Wray, Colo Co E, 13th Ammn Tr Died in Service Oct 21, 1918
Click here to view enlargement.

Yuma Pioneer October 25, 1918

Taps Are Sounded for Yuma Soldier
Earl Tracy Koons - Victim of Pneumonia at Camp Lewis - Only 21 Years of Age.

One more Yuma County boy, and the first from this immediate vicinity, has made the supreme sacrifice for the cause of his country and just as truly as tho he had lost his life on the battlefield. Mr. and Mrs. Alvy Koons, of this city, received a message from the commanding officer at Camp Lewis, Washington, Monday stating that their son, Earl Tracy Koons, was dead, the immediate cause of his death being pneumonia. Mr. Koons immediately telegraphed for the body to be shipped to Yuma for burial but at the time of going to press no information had been received from the army officials as to whether the remains would be forwarded.

Earl Tracy Koons was born in Phillips County, Kansas January 28, 1897. He moved to Yuma County with his parents in May 1906 and had resided in this vicinity since that time. He was a member of the same contingent of Yuma County boys that were sent to Camp Lewis at the same time as Carl Hoch left here. He was a member of Company E, 13th Ammunition Train.

Only a few days before the arrival of the telegram announcing his death, the parents had received a letter from their soldier boy which stated he was feeling fine and was enjoying army life. Besides the parents, three sisters are left to mourn his loss.

It will be remembered by many that young Koons nearly lost his life a year or two since while making a vain effort to save a companion from drowning in a lake near Sterling.

Yuma Pioneer Friday, November 1, 1918

Soldier Boy Given Military Funeral

The body of Private Earl Tracy Koons arrived from Camp Lewis, Washington, on the afternoon train Sunday, accompanied by Private Gregg. The dead soldier was laid to rest in the Yuma cemetery Tuesday afternoon. The funeral cortege was led by the Yuma Home Guards, who fired a salute over the grave at the close of the ceremonies at the cemetery, which was conducted by Revs. Breckenridge and Kitchen.

Yuma Pioneer Friday, November 8, 1918

The Last Hours of Earl Koons
Mother receives a letter of Condolence from the Captain of the Company.

Mrs. Alva Koons this week received the following letter from the captain of the company in which her son Earl belonged:

Training Camp Lewis, Washington, October 25, 1918

Mrs. Martha Koons, Yuma, Colorado.

Dear Mrs. Koons:

It is with deep regret that I write you concerning the death of your son, Earl, who was a member of this company. I have lost two of my men by pneumonia and I assure you that I feel the loss keenly. The epidemic of influenza effected this company severely. Eighteen of our men have been in the hospital.

I trust you realize that everything was done to save your son's life. He was in the hospital eight days. No expense or effort is being spared at our base hospital to save each individual life. Strict preventative measures were inaugurated throughout the camp before the epidemic started here, and those who took sick received the very best treatment procurable.

One of your son's friends, Sergeant Proppe, was at the hospital to see him every day he as there. Also our chaplain made him several visits and was with him when he died. He was unconscious at the end and so was unable to say any word or message. I know that I can say nothing that will lesson your grief at the loss of your son, but I want to assure you that I feel with you a deep pride in his noble life given in the service of his country. He was an excellent soldier, and the men and officers of Company E all feel his loss.

If there is anything you wish to inquire about, Earl's insurance or other matters, do not hesitate to write about them.

Very sincerely yours,
RHOTEN A. SMITH
Capt. Co. E, 13th Ammunition Train

Notes:

When Earl Koons registered for the draft he said he was age 21, lived in Yuma. and was born January 8, 1897 in Phillips County, Kansas. His listed employer was the National Guard, State Capitol in Denver. Parent Alvy Koons.
The local board said he was of medium build, medium complexion, brown eyes, dark brown hair and assigned registration no. 130.

Go to previous page | next page.

Return to Gold Star Veterans Listing.