Donald G. Koch

Donald G. Koch, age 91 of Willis, passed away Sunday, February 5th at the Regent Care Center in the Woodlands. He was born December 3, 1931 in Stover, Missouri to Louis Henry and Minnie Florence (Gray) Koch and was the youngest of three children. After high school, Donald joined the United States Air Force and proudly served his country during the Korean War. Upon returning stateside in 1955 after an honorable discharge, he married Barbara J. Baker and the couple settled in Houston. Together they had two children. He worked to support his family at the Port of Houston as a stevedore and equipment manager, overseeing the loading and unloading of cargo ships. He remained employed at the Port of Houston for over 40 years until his retirement. When their children were younger, Donald and Barbara encouraged both of their children in motorcross competitions, traveling in a motorhome from event to event and always returning home in time for school on Monday. Later he bought property in the Richards, Texas area and then eventually settled on eight acres in Willis at his retirement. He had a passion for gardening, both flowers and vegetables and gained a great deal of satisfaction from watching things grow. He also enjoyed restoring John Deere tractors. Don had a strong work ethic that didn't end with retirement, he seldom sat still and always had a project or two that he was working on. A kind and gentle man, Don was a devoted husband, father and papa. He was level headed and could be counted on for sound advice. He had a large number of friends and was never too busy to lend a helping hand or be there in time of need. Left to cherish his memory is his devoted wife of 67 years, Barbara Koch; son Jim "Bo" Koch; daughter Donna Hashaw; grandsons Justin Hashaw (and wife Allyssa) and Reed Koch; granddaughters Shannon Koch and Jordan Lowe (and husband John); and great-granddaughters Brynleigh, Charleigh and Hadleigh Lowe. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister Marie and brother Virgil. Visitation with family and friends will be held from 5:00 - 8:00 pm, Wednesday, February 8th at Sam Houston Memorial Funeral Home in Willis, Texas. A private family interment will follow on Thursday, February 9th.

Donald G. Koch

December 3, 1931 - February 5, 2023