Claude H. Koon was born in Pecatonica, Illinois on May 25, 1876. His family moved to Iowa Falls when he was eight years old and he lived there the rest of his life. On April 19, 1900, he married Mabel E. Clay of LeMars, Iowa. Mr. Koon started with the Ellsworth-Jones real estate firm, then in 1930 founded a real estate and insurance firm with Leroy Mark. He was a 50-year Mason and a member of the Consistory Shrine at Des Moines. He was one of the originators of the Elk’s Lodge in Iowa Falls. He also was a member of the Iowa Falls School Board for 12 years. Claude Koon was a friend of Ellsworth College. He contributed $200 in 1927 when the fate of the then four-year private college was in question. Following his death on August 31, 1969, Mr. Koon left an estate gift establishing the C. H. Koon Endowed Scholarship. The scholarship is awarded annually to a student who demonstrates financial need, high scholastic aptitude and good character. His wife passed away on December 6, 1969. The couple had one son, Maurice, and two grandchildren.