Harold Otto Koch Sr.

HAROLD OTTO KOCH, SR. FEBRUARY 24, 1925 - JULY 16, 2007 God has called home a most kind, gentle, loving Christian husband, Father and friend to be with him in heaven. Harold Koch, son of Otto and Alma Krumdieck Koch, was born on February 24, 1925 in Pharr, Hidalgo County Texas. He was baptized March 15, 1925 at St. Paul Lutheran church, McAllen, Texas, and confirmed in 1936. He was a lifelong member of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod. He was united in marriage to Wilba Ruth Longhofer on August 31, 1947 at St. Paul's by pastor Wm. Remmert. This union was blessed with three loving and devoted children: Harold Jr. and Wife, Gail, of Mandeville, Louisiana; Sharon Janell and husband, Brad, of Austin, Texas and Dr. Sandra Jean and husband, Miles, of Lawton, Oklahoma. Harold was preceded in death by his father, Otto, in 1945 while Harold was serving in the Pacific Campaign and by his mother and step-father, Alma and Paul Dutschmann. He is survived by his Loving Wife, Wilba, of almost 60 years, his three children, three brothers, Milford and wife, Gloria of Stanton, Nebraska: Ralph and his wife, Eudoris, of San Antonio and Merlyn and wife, Elizabeth, of Harlingen, his step-sisters Alice and Betty, step-brother Eldon and many other relatives and friends. Harold graduated from PSJA High School and attended Edinburg Jr. College. During WW2, Harold was called to serve his country in the Army Horse Calvary as Company Clerk. He attended Adjutant General's School, received the Rifle Marksman Award, Good Conduct Medal and American theater and Asiatic Pacific Medals. Corporal Koch was honorably discharged in 1946. On his return to civilian life, he worked for the Coca-Cola Company. Later, he joined Champlain Petroleum where his work took him and his family to the Texas towns of Linn, Refugio and Victoria. He retired to the San Antonio and Austin areas. SERVICES Funeral services were on Saturday, July 21, 2007 at 10:30 AM. Prior to the service, visitation was held from 9:30-10:30 AM. Pastor E. Schornborn, retired Lutheran Minister, who officiated at the services that were held at Mission Park Funeral Chapels North on 3401 Cherry Ridge Drive (349-1414). Burial will be at Mission Park Cemetery North. Honorary pallbearers are his brothers and brothers-in-law: Ralph, Merlyn and Milford Koch, Edward, Vernon, Floyd, Jesse and Harold Longhofer and Bob Derryberry. Pallbearers are Harold's nephews and great-nephew's: Kevin, Kyle, John, and Eddie Longhofer, Charlie, John and Christopher Stokes and John Havlik. In Lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Lutheran Hour, 660 Mason Ridge Center, St. Louis, MO. 63141 or to the charity of donor's choice. The family wishes to thank the many doctors, nurses, and staff at the many hospitals and rehab units, especially those at Patriot Heights and Dr. Guerra at the Methodist Specialty and Transplant Hospital. You may sign the on-line guestbook at www.missionparks.com under the obituary section. Mission Park Funeral Chapels North.