Chapin Mayor Al Koon dies at 74

Described in his obituary as a “man of service in many ways,” Chapin’s mayor, Albert “Al” R. Koon, Jr., 74, died on Oct. 17, a few days after it was announced he would enter hospice care.

“For 52 years, he shared an enduring love with his wife, Susan Keating Koon, building a family rooted in faith, service, and community,” a statement from the town wrote. “Mayor Koon was not only a dedicated public servant—he was a man of deep faith, a devoted husband and father, and a true visionary who led with heart, integrity, and unwavering commitment to Chapin’s growth and well-being. His absence will be profoundly felt throughout our town.”

Koon was elected mayor in 2021, winning 94.59% of votes cast. Before that, he served on town council for four years.

2021 reporting from the Chronicle said that his campaign for mayor focused on “preparing for the future while staying true to the community’s values and character.”

“Chapin is at a pivotal point in history,” Koon told the Chronicle at the time. “If we make the right decisions now, our Chapin can be the gem of the state.”

Today, Koon’s welcome message on the town’s website calls Chapin a “community on the move, with great amenities, award winning schools, a thriving business community, and beautiful Lake Murray.”

He died surrounded by family at Lexington Medical Center two days after town leaders wrote in a Facebook post that he had “made the difficult and deeply personal decision to enter hospice care.”

“Mayor Koon has devoted many years of unwavering service to the people of Chapin—guiding our community with integrity, compassion, and a steadfast commitment to doing what is right for our town,” the post continued. “His leadership has shaped not only the policies and projects that strengthened Chapin, but also the spirit of unity, kindness, and perseverance that defines who we are today. Words cannot fully express our gratitude for his dedication and the countless ways he has served our residents, businesses, and families. His love for Chapin is evident in every street, every event, and every life he has touched.”

Born on July 23, 1951, to the late Albert Ray, Sr. and Dorothy Stuart Koon, Al Koon spent his childhood in Lexington County and graduated from Chapin High School. He then attended Clemson University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Nuclear Engineering, and began his career at South Carolina Electric & Gas, which later became Dominion Energy; he retired in 2011.

“Outside of work, Al enjoyed various hobbies including gardening and woodworking. Examples of his woodworking craftsmanship can be found at Mt. Horeb Lutheran Church and in the Greater Chapin Chamber of Commerce,” according to his obituary on the Whitaker Funeral Home website. “He truly loved his town and cast a vision of growing while retaining its historic charm and character. His favorite ‘mayoral duty’ was investing in generations to come, and he was especially excited for his yearly visits with 1st Grade students and hearing what they wanted for their town.”

Local children enjoyed attending Mayor's Storytime in the Park events, which Koon participated in, along with Lexington's and Irmo’s mayors.

Koon was also a member of Mt. Horeb Lutheran Church, where he served in many capacities with the church’s council, building committee and youth.

“Al had a unique gift for connecting with people and a sincere interest in building into their success,” his obituary read, “he was truly invested in each person he met.”

Koon also earned the Louetta Slice Philanthropist of the Year Award from the Greater Chapin Community Foundation, which “honors an individual for their outstanding contributions to the community,” according to GCCF.

Al Koon is survived by his wife, Susan, as well as their two sons, four grandchildren, three sisters and many nieces and nephews. His obituary also notes that he was predeceased by his daughter-in-law, Judge Tanya Gee.

Chapin locals are invited to pay respects to the beloved mayor on Oct. 20 from 1 to 4 p.m. at Chapin Town Hall, 157 NW Columbia Ave.

The funeral is scheduled for Oct. 21 at 11 a.m. at Mt. Horeb Lutheran Church with Rev. Ron Philabaum. Interment will be in the church’s cemetery after.

“Memorials are suggested to the Greater Chapin Community Foundation, 2142 Boyce Street, Suite 402, Columbia, SC 29201 or online at https://www.yourfoundation.org/community-funds/chapin/; or to Mt. Horeb Lutheran Church,” his obituary reads.

Additionally, Whitaker Funeral Home has a tribute page for memories and messages of condolence for his family.

Mayor Koon’s current term was to end in November, and he had filed to run again, along with Ron Colley and Bill Mitchell Jr. Gregg White is listed as Chapin's mayor pro tem on the town website currently.