Donald D. "Doc" Koontz, 84, a lifelong Plymouth resident and respected businessman has died following a hard fought battle with cancer over the past year. At home, in the loving care and presence of his family, Don passed away Tuesday afternoon at 12:45 p.m. Lilac Road has been the site of the Koontz Family’s home and livelihood for over 60 years.
      
       Don was born in Plymouth on March 25, 1928 the son of Harold W. and Grace M. (Cummins) Koontz. He graduated from LaPaz High School in 1946.
      
       Like his folks, Don at an early age possessed a talent for music. Never reading a note he played the saxophone and piano by ear. It was likely his love of music that took him to the LaPaz Dance Hall where he met the true love in his life, Betty V. Miller and they were married in the Argos home of her parents, Lavon and Geraldine Miller on February 5, 1949. From that moment they were devoted to one another as they prayed together, raised a family together and together operated a thriving business enterprise. This year marked 63 wonderful years as one.
      
       They were faithfully attended the Plymouth Sunrise Chapel for over 50 years. He was a 50 year member of the Plymouth Kilwinning Masonic Lodge and 50 year member of the Plymouth Moose Lodge.
      
       To this day, Don simply wanted to be known as a diesel mechanic yet the business they opened in 1950, Koontz Equipment, grew to become known world-wide over the next 62 years. His work ethic provided for the livelihood of many families who were also devoted to the daily operations.
      
       Until May of this year Don was sharing his musical talent with others as he had played in numerous area bands through his adult life, playing gigs in lower Michigan and throughout Indiana gaining many friends in the music world. His biggest groupie was his sweetheart Betty.
      
       Don loved time spent with his family. His two daughters and families are; Terri and Stephen Jackson of Thebes, Illinois and their children; Kristi (Bryan) Keenen of Wentzville, Missouri and Victoria (Stephen) Hemby of Cape Girardeau, Missouri. Trudy and Tom Stearns of Plymouth and their children; Mindy Stearns of Carmel, Indiana and brother Mason Stearns both of Indianapolis, Indiana. Seven great-grandchildren include: Landon, Logan, Gabbie, Audrey, Norah, Nolan and Waylon. Two sisters also survive; Mary Jane (Dale) Neidlinger of Plymouth and Carol Warmbrod of Rochester along with many nieces and nephews.
      
       He was preceded in death by his parents, and a son, Thomas G. Koontz.
      
       A memorial service is being planned for July.
      
       In lieu of flowers, it is the family's request that memorials be given to the Center For Hospice Care, 112 S. Center Street, Plymouth, IN 46563