Following a long, full life, Oliver Edward Koch entered his heavenly home on Aug. 29, 2023 in Lebanon.
He was born Oct. 5, 1925, in Sleeper, Mo. to Jeremiah W. Koch and Cecelia Thompson Koch. Oliver had lived nearly a century, passing away at the age of 97 years, ten months and twenty-four days.
He spent his early life in the Falcon and Russ communities in Laclede County and attended Lebanon Schools.
Following graduation, he enlisted in the United States Army where he faithfully served his country. When he returned home, he married his true love and best friend, Wanda June Fincher. They were married on April 13, 1949, and made countless memories for over 74 years.
In 1956, Oliver was employed with the Coffeyville Journal newspaper in Coffeyville, Kan. He was at the newspaper until 1978 when he joined Misch’s Printing Company in Coffeyville. He left the printing company in 1988. He then moved from Coffeyville with his family to Lebanon and was employed at the Marshfield Mail newspaper for a few years. He then went to the Lebanon Daily Record where he was employed until he retired in 1996.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his daughter, Sherry Lynn; his son, Oliver E. Koch, Jr.; one grandson, Jason Koch; one brother, John Koch; and seven sisters, Mary, Flossie, Ethel, Helen, Carman, Wealtha and Lenore.
Oliver is survived by his loving wife, Wanda; four grandsons, Aron Koch of Columbia; Jeremy Koch of Springfield; Joseph Behzadi and his wife, Rachel and Michael Belzadi and his wife, Christine, all of Wichita, Kan.; one great-granddaughter, Alba Belzadi; and his brother, Jeremiah (Jerry) Koch.
Oliver had a strong, unwavering faith in God. He was a long time member of Hillcrest Baptist Church ,and through the years in the different places they had called home, he served as a Sunday School teacher, a deacon and an usher.
He enjoyed fishing, hunting, gardening and reading. He found great enjoyment in taking care of his lawn and even after he retired, he mowed the lawn for several people until the age of 88. He found satisfaction in doing carpentry work and building items, not only for his own family, but for others as well.
He was a proud grandfather of his four grandsons and he was thrilled when his great-granddaughter, Alba, was born. She brought him so much joy. He loved his family so very much and treasured every moment they could be together.
Oliver was a hard worker, a dedicated family man, and a Godly servant. He lived through the great depression and saw many changes in his lifetime. He leaves a strong legacy to his family that will be honored and remembered for years to come.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023, at Holman-Howe Funeral Home. A visitation will be held in the funeral home from 10 a.m.-11 a.m. Burial will be in the Hough Chapel Cemetery.
Arrangements are under the direction of Holman-Howe Funeral Home of Lebanon.
For more information or to visit the website go to www.holman-howe.com.
