Richard A. 'Dick' Coon Jr., age 74, a Benge area rancher, passed away on November 1, 2026, after a brief hospitalization.

Richard A. Coon Jr. was born March 12, 1952, in Walla Walla, Washington, to Richard and Stephanie (Snyder) Coon.

He graduated from Washtucna High School in 1970 and attended Whitman College in Walla Walla before returning in 1973 to work on the Bar U alongside his father and grandfather, and eventually his son and brother. While in high school, he met Paula Sutherland. They married at the Washtucna Community Church on April 20, 1974 and then resided and raised their family on the Bar U. Dick enjoyed bow hunting, shooting sports, working with his family and following his grandchildren’s activities.

Early in his ranching career, Dick developed a keen interest in rangeland management and the potential of managed grazing to improve grass and cattle production. Miles of fencing, precise grazing management, and carefully planned cattle rotation improved soil fertility, riparian areas, and usable forage under his stewardship.

Having an appreciation for the natural world that began early in life, Dick was proud of the wildlife that flourished on the ranch. He was in Class 3 of Ag Forestry Leadership in 1981 and the Allan Savory Holistic Management School in1983. Dick credited these with developing a balanced approach to ranch and policy problem solving. His holistic and innovative approach also included an interest in Low-Stress Livestock Handling, and advancements in herd genetics through cross-breeding and artificial insemination. He embraced technology such as electronic ID and prior to his passing he had plans to install and implement new GPS virtual fencing.

Dick served in many cattle industry leadership roles such as President of the Adams County Cattlemen; Washington Cattlemen’s Association President, Executive Board, and Board of Directors. He served on the Washington State Veterinary Board of Governors; and was a National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Region V Vice President. He was once honored as the Soil Conservation Rancher of the Year. In 2010 the Bar U Ranch donated the first calf to the beef commission’s Beef Counts program, which continues today, providing beef to local foodbanks.

He enjoyed hosting 20+ years of rangeland tours for Washington State University and University of Idaho Animal Science and Pre-Veterinary Students. Many students recounted his teaching and knowledge, even years later. Dick also served on the WSU Land Legacy Council, helping manage farms donated to the College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences.

Dick was perhaps most proud of his grandchildren who were his greatest “innovations”, whom he enjoyed including in all things ranching. He was generous with encouragement and he could often be heard telling them, “You’re the best!”

Dick is survived by his love of 53 years Paula of Richland; daughter, Aisha Hanson and husband, Kelly of Kennewick; son, Paul Coon and wife, Bridget of Benge; four grandsons – Jackson (Tyler), Cooper and Brooks Hanson, and Edgar Coon, and two granddaughters – Parker Hanson and Elsie Coon; two great-grandchildren Wyatt and Cecelia Hanson; his mother, Stephanie Coon of the Bar U Ranch in Washtucna; sisters, Kathy Meline, Nedra Eychaner and Patricia Coon; and brother, Fritz Coon; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, November 14, 2026, at 11 a.m. at the Washtucna Community Church with a reception to follow.Inurnment will follow at a later date at the Bar U Ranch.The Corbeill Funeral Home, Colfax, WA, is in charge of funeral arrangements and cremation.

The family suggests memorial contributions be given in Dick's name to Washington Cattlemen's Association, Palouse Care Network, or Washtucna Community Church.