Samuel "Roy" Koirtyohann

1930 - 2022

Samuel Roy Koirtyohann, 92, Hallsville, passed away, Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2022.

Roy was born September 11, 1930 near Washington, one of nine children to Earl and Carrie Yeager Koirtyohann. In 1948, he graduated from Washington High School as valedictorian. He worked through college on an ROTC scholarship and was commissioned as 2nd lieutenant in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He earned his bachelor's degree, master's degree and Ph.D., all from the University of Missouri, taking time between degrees to work for the Nuclear Reactors in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. After earning his PH.D., he taught chemistry at the University of Missouri for over 30 years, eventually serving as chairmen of the department. Roy and Laura traveled the world to chemistry conferences and conventions and were joined by many lifelong friends in that profession. He was scout master for Boy Scout Troop 3 for many years.

After Roy retired, he started two new careers. The first was gardening, or should we say growing a huge garden to supply as many as possible with the bounty. Grandson Edward learned a lot about gardening from Gramps! The second was his love and passion for old tractors, sawmills and tinkering with equipment. He was a 35-plus year member of the Missouri River Valley Steam Engine Association, where he operated the sawmill at their shows and also served as treasurer and president in the club. He became known as "The Sawing Professor!" Roy and Laura could be found heading down the highway in their motor home every weekend to communities all throughout the state, as well as heading out to other national and international steam engine and tractor shows. They had a fabulous retirement living their best life.

In addition to all of the above, he was blessed with three great hunting dogs, Fairy, Joe and Britt. He made quail hunting a ritual and also was enthusiastic about getting at least one deer every year. He made a deer roast on the grill that would make you throw rocks at beef. He and Laura enjoyed the farm they retired on and could be found enjoying golf cart rides to look for deer and just enjoying the outdoors.

He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Laura Koirtyohann; children, Steve (Julie) Koirtyohann, Linda Koirtyohann and Carrie Koirtyohann, all of Hallsville; grandson, Edward Clevenger; honorary grandson, Shawn Atkins; many nieces and nephews; and a loving extended family.

He was preceded in death by his parents; five brothers; and three sisters.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 26, at Red Top Christian Church, Hallsville. Friends may gather from 10-11 a.m. at the church.

Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Red Top Christian Church, 14355 North St. U, Hallsville, MO 65255, or the Missouri River Valley Steam Engine Association, 24289 MO-179, Boonville, MO 65233.

Condolences and fond memories may be shared at www.memorialfueneralhomeandcemetery.com.

Arrangements are in care of Memorial Funeral Home, Columbia.