Don Ura Koen

Don Ura Koen, 67, a native of Baton Rouge, La., died Tuesday, Aug. 17, 2010 following a lengthy illness.

He came to the tri-city area in the early 1960’s from Baton Rouge. One of his first jobs was with S & H Subwater Salvage. After dabbling in diving he opened Don’s Gulf Station and Wrecker Service. Not long after closing the Gulf Station, he opened a very successful auto-body repair business. His wife and he were owners of M. C. Paint and Body Shop, Inc. for the past 40 years. He also had a passion for bowling and was somewhat of an impatient fisherman and could play a mean game of cards. He was a die-hard Saints Fan and only wished to see them make it to the Superbowl within his lifetime. Not only did he get that wish, but he was able to witness Saints’ history when they won. He didn’t ask for much out of life, but had a lot to offer. His family was his first and greatest love but he also loved his many friends and was willing to help anyone in need.

He is survived by his wife, Rose Spinella Koen; son, Bart (Ann) Ura Koen, daughters; Jodi (Keith) Mire and Donna (Michael Blanchard) Bergeron; brother, Irvin “Do” (Pearl) Boudreaux; sisters, Edna Guccione, Barbara Koen and Gwen Elliott; brother-in-laws, Melvin (Elsie) Spinella and Benny Spinella; seven grandchildren, Abbie Rose, Cate Margaret and Anna Claire Koen; Kayla Rose, Brodi Patrick Mire, Dylan Thomas and Blake Ura Bergeron; great-grandson, Kaydon Anthony Rios; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charly James and Laura Arcemont Koen, mother and father-in-law, Bartel and Marie Rock Spinella, and two nephews, Salvadore Guccione and David Guidry.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to his nurses, Grace and Felicia, from Journey Hospice; his private sitters, Stephanie Richardson and Eleanor “Teenie” Blanco; Dr. Metz III and his staff; and above all the amazing friends and family that were there for him throughout his illness.

The community has not only lost a devoted businessman, but a great family man as well as a loyal friend to many people. He will be greatly missed.

He is buried at Morgan City Cemetery.

(Hargrave Funeral Home)

Don Ura Koen