Gerald Durand Koors Sr., age 88, a native of Minnesota and a resident of Spanish Fort, passed away Thursday, Jan. 31, 2013.
Mr. Koors was born in Duluth, Minn.s on April 27, 1924. He was a U.S. Navy veteran and began his military career stationed as an Air Traffic Controller at Saufley Field, Pensacola, then was stationed on the aircraft carrier USS Saratoga. He finished his naval service in Honolulu, HI He started his aviation career at Brookley Air Force Base as an aircraft mechanic for the F105 until Brookley Field closed. He then went on to work at Continental - Teledyne until his retirement in 1983. While at Teledyne he worked on the hydraulic systems of the Voyager which made the first non-stop circumnavigation of the globe by an aircraft. He was affectionately known as Boompa by his family. He enjoyed working in his yard with his beloved wife, Betty. Their yard was a frequent recipient of the “Yard Of The Month” honors. He was a big fan of Alabama football, the New Orleans Saints and the Chicago White Sox. He loved listening to Frank Sinatra and Broadway musicals while having an occasional brewski. He also enjoyed working challenging crossword puzzles. During his retirement, his constant companion was his dog, Lucy. During his later years, he suffered the effects of Parkinsonism and had to live at the William F. Green State Veteran’s Home. His health slowly diminished as did his quality of life but he never complained about his situation. This attitude lessened the burden on his children and is one of his main legacies to them. Even though his speech slowly diminished he remained the “King of One-Liners” and always left his visitors feeling better. He frequently said “If I known you were coming, I would have baked a cake.” He was a favorite of the staff at William F. Green. He always considered himself the luckiest man in the world. Mr. Koors was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Jean Koors and a daughter, Nena Marie Buchanan. He is survived by his three sons, Dr. John M.(Lisa) Koors of Anniston, Gerald D. (Lynn) Koors Jr., and Mark Joseph Koors both of Spanish Fort; two daughters, Gail K. Wilson of Daphne and DeeDee Boyington of Orange Beach; 12 grandchildren, Maria Koors, Ellen Koors, Ken Koors, Johnny Koors, Johnny Buchanan, Jennifer Bailey, Jason (Melissa) Wilson, Anna Koors, Melissa (David) Roberts, Jessica (Chris) Swanson, Kyle (Jillian) Boyington, Bryant Boyington; six great-grandchildren; one sister, Pat (Dr. Bob) Kozarek; and many other loving relatives and friends. Graveside services were Saturday, February 2, 2013 at 1:00 PM at Belforest Catholic Cemetery. The family would like to thank the staff of William F. Green State Veteran’s Home for the years of loving care. Military Honors were rendered by the VFW Post 5660, Fairhope. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Daphne Public Library. ARRANGEMENTS BY WOLFE-BAYVIEW FUNERAL HOMES & CREMATORY, INC. DAPHNE. To post online condolences, visit www.wolfefuneralhomes.com.
