Eugene “Gene” George Koch, 89, a 44 year resident of Beaumont, TX passed away August 6, 2019.
Gene was born on July 2, 1930, in Washington, IL to Arthur and Elsie Thieme Koch. He married Catherine Elsie Holliger on February 12, 1950; she preceded him in death in 2005. Additionally, preceding him in death were his parents; his sister, Janice (Koch) Cherrie of Ventura, CA in 2007; and his brother Gerald “Jerry” Koch of Washington, IL in 2015.
Surviving are his ten children; Diane (Gary) Hunter, SC; Dennis Koch, OR; Debra Wilkinson, TX; Dyle (Julie) Koch, CA; Daniel (Pat) Koch, GA; David Koch, TX; Denise (Roger) Budro, TX; Dwight Koch, TX; Dawn (Merv) Sather, TX; Dara (Troy) McCranie, TX.
From these children, he received the blessing of 15 grandchildren; Justin (Gray) Oden, Dara Morgan Koch, William Kiel Wilkinson, Gabriel Seth (Sarah) Koch, Meghan Koch, Arthur Koch, Kevin (Clarisse) Koch, David Koch, Jr., William (Danielle) Budro, Aaron (Kayla) Budro, Elizabeth Budro, Chris (Rosie) Lasiter, Katie (Steve) Hare, Cory (Erin) McCranie and Blake (Amber) McCranie. These grandchildren gave him 17 great grandchildren. He is also preceded in death by one step-granddaughter, Amber McCranie.
Gene started his working career as a dairy farmer in the 1940s and 1950s, first in Illinois and then moving to Wisconsin. After farming, he went on to work in manufacturing, followed by positions with the states of Wisconsin, then Louisiana. In 1975, Gene moved the family to Beaumont, TX for a position with MetLife from which he ultimately retired.
Gene served with the Lions Club in Beaumont for many years; and was involved in the charity, Some Other Place. He was also passionate about his calling to work and serve with Christ Communion Church and its congregation.
The family wants caregivers to know that the help and comfort they provided Gene in his final months is very much appreciated. Many thanks to Collier Park in Beaumont and Village Creek in Lumberton.
Arrangements are being handled by Claybar Kelley-Watkins Funeral Home, Beaumont, TX. Services will be held at the funeral home on Tuesday, August 13, 2019, at 2:30pm. A visitation will be held prior to the service beginning at 2:00pm. Burial will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, 4955 Pine St., Beaumont, TX.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution to the American Cancer Society at 1640 N. Major Drive, Suite 101, Beaumont, Texas 77706 (409) 924-0576, or the Alzheimer’s Association at 700 North Street, Beaumont, Texas 77701 (409) 833-1613.