Helen Koen

Helen Koen, 87, died Tuesday, September 9, 2014, at Hendrick Medical Center in Abilene. Born in Gorman, Texas on March 16, 1927, Helen was the daughter of Vergie E. (Hampton) and Jack L. Mauney. She was a 1944 graduate and valedictorian of Gorman High School. She worked as a teller at Gorman State Bank where she first met her husband when he opened an account upon his return from WWII. She married L.N. Koen in Gorman on March 10, 1946. The Koens moved to Abilene with their young son in 1954, and soon joined the newly formed Pioneer Drive Baptist Church. Her life was enriched and sustained by the close and lifelong friendships made at Pioneer Drive Baptist Church. L.N. founded and owned Koen Paint Contracting for which Helen managed the accounts, taxes, and payroll for 40 years. Helen was a devoted member of the community for sixty years as she worshipped, worked at home, and raised her family. She was preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, L.N. Koen, on September 15, 2005, her parents, and a brother, L.V. Mauney. Helen is survived by her son, Randy L. Koen of Dallas; her brother and sister-in-law, Billy J. and Millie Mauney of Conroe, Texas; and several nieces and nephews. A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, September 12, at The Hamil Family Funeral Home Chapel, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road in Abilene with Dr. Jeff Reid and Bro. Jack Ridlehoover officiating. The graveside service will follow at 2:00 p.m. Friday in Gorman Oaklawn Cemetery in Gorman, Texas. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Pioneer Drive Baptist Church Building Fund, 701 South Pioneer Drive, Abilene, TX 79605.