Albert “Al” Koon, Jr., age 74, of Chapin died Friday, October 17, 2025 at Lexington Medical Center, surrounded by his family. For 52 years he shared an enduring love with his wife Susan Keating Koon, building a family rooted in faith, service and community.
He was born in Chapin, SC on July 23, 1951 to the late Albert Ray, Sr. and Dorothy Stuart Koon.
Al was a member at Mt. Horeb Lutheran Church where he served in many capacities including Church Council, Building Committee and Youth leader.
He was a graduate of Chapin High School and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Nuclear Engineering from Clemson University. After school, he began his career with SCE&G which later became Dominion Energy. He retired in 2011.
Outside of work, Al enjoyed various hobbies including gardening and woodworking. Examples of his woodworking craftsmanship can be found at Mt. Horeb Lutheran Church and in the Greater Chapin Chamber of Commerce. He was a devoted Clemson fan, and as such, his favorite colors were purple and orange.
Over the last decade, Al spent his time investing in the present and future of the Town of Chapin, serving four years as a member of the Town Council followed by four years as Mayor of Chapin. He truly loved his town and cast a vision of growing while retaining its historic charm and character. His favorite ‘mayoral duty’ was investing in generations to come, and he was especially excited for his yearly visits with 1st Grade students and hearing what they wanted for their town.
Al had a unique gift for connecting with people and a sincere interest in building into their success: he was truly invested in each person he met.
A man of service in many ways, he received the Louetta Slice Philanthropist of the Year Award. He lived by a phrase he shared almost daily with the Town of Chapin staff – “Go forth and do good!”
Mayor Al Koon will be deeply missed as a family man, a person of faith and a visionary servant to the Chapin community.
He is survived by his wife, Susan, and their sons who he was so proud of; Chris Koon (Kristen) of Columbia, Sc and Ryan Koon (Megan) of Simpsonville, SC; grandchildren who affectionately called him “Granddaddy”, Will and Sabin Koon and Marie and Jack Koon; sisters, Annie Rose Stuck, Mary Nell Metts, Betty Miles; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by a daughter-in-law, Judge Tanya Gee.
Mayor Koon lied in state at the Chapin Town Hall on Monday, October 20 from 1-4pm for those who wished to pay their respects.
Following, the family received friends from 5-7pm.
Funeral services were held on Tuesday, October 21 at 11am at Mt. Horeb Lutheran Church officiated by Rev. Ron Philabaum. Interment followed in the church cemetery.
Memorials can be made to the Greater Chapin Community Foundation, 2142 Boyce Street, Suite 402, Columbia, SC 29201 or online at www.yourfoundation.org/community-funds/chapin/; or to Mt. Horeb Lutheran Church, 101 E. Boundarty St., Chapin, SC 29036.
Memories and messages of condolence may be shared on the Mayor Koon’s tribute page at the Whitaker Funeral Home website.
