Lawrence Larkins Koontz

Lawrence Larkins Koontz Jr., 85, of Salem, Virginia, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by family and loved ones on Saturday, March 16, 2025.

He is survived by his wife, Eberle, of 46 years; his children, John L. Koontz, Elizabeth P. Koontz (Nancy), and Anne L. Iamartino (Matt); nine grandchildren; and sister, Margaret Coles.

He graduated from Jefferson High School in 1957, Virginia Polytechnical Institute in 1961, and then received his law degree from T.C. Williams School of Law at the University of Richmond in 1964. Upon graduating from law school he returned to Roanoke, served as an Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney, and went into private practice for a brief period.

Lawrence was a Justice of the Supreme Court of Virginia. Justice Koontz served at every level of court in the Virginia judicial system. Justice Koontz was appointed to the Juvenile Court of the City of Roanoke (later the 23rd District Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court following the reform of the Virginia Court System) in 1968. He was elected by the General Assembly to the 23rd Circuit Court in 1976. In 1984, he was one of the original members of the Virginia Court of Appeals and was elected Chief Judge in 1985. He was elected to the Supreme Court of Virginia in 1995. Justice Koontz’s judicial career spanned 57 years including his service in Senior Status with the Supreme Court, one of the longest judicial careers of a Virginia Jurist.

There will be a celebration of life at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, at the Salem Presbyterian Church in Salem, Virginia.

The family requests in lieu of flowers that donations be made to Salem Presbyterian Church. Online condolences may be expressed at www.johnmoakey.com.