Russell Eugene Koch was born March 30, 1925, at the home of Christian Julius and Etta Mae (Wall) Koch at Bucyrus, Mo. (White Rock Community). He died Dec. 2, 2012, at Boone Hospital in Columbia, Mo.,, after complications from open heart surgery.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Robert, Kenneth, Paul and Delmar; and two sisters, Ruby Koch Sharp and infant Goldie Mae Koch.
He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Betty Mae (Earp); four children; 10 grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren.
Daughter Shirley (Koch) Duff and husband Ross; granddaughter Kristin (Duff) Steelman and husband Jim and son Ross; grandson Deiter and wife Amee, and children Madison, Morgan and Max Duff.
Son Gary Koch and wife Nancy (Lantz); grandson Eryc and wife Megan, and son Cash Koch; grandson Bradley and wife Christie, and children Dawson and Natalee Koch; granddaughter Alesha (Koch) Williams and husband Jimmy and son Rylan.
Son Randy Koch and wife Elaine (Farris); grandson Steven and wife Melissa, and daughter Jaycee Koch; grandson Tony and wife Christie, and children Kyle, Makayla and Jacob Koch; grandson Jon and wife Lindsay, and children Evan, Ava and Eli Koch;
son Danny Koch and wife Darlene (Grogan); grandson Josh Koch, Natalie, Brittany and Tyler Stien; granddaughter Laura Koch
Also survived by sister-in-law, Lois (Bock) Koch, of Casper, Wyo.; and numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives.
He graduated from Houston High School in 1943. He served in the Army from 1943-1945, 69th Infantry Division. He served as an Elder at the Oak Hill Christian Church, his lifelong Christian home.
Services were 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2012, at Oak Hill Christian Church with Don Crockett and Deiter Duff officiating. Pallbearers were Eryc Koch, Bradley Koch, Josh Koch, Steve Koch, Tony Koch, Jon Koch and Deiter Duff. Burial with full military honors was in White Rock Cemetery under the direction of Evans Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the White Rock Cemetery or Oak Hill Christian Church. Online condolences may be sent to www.evansfh.com.
