Videos Login Subscribe Renew E-edition
logo
ePaper
coogle_play
app_store
  • News
  • Features
  • Opinion
    • Columns
    • Letters
  • Obituaries
  • Classifieds
    • Place a Classified
  • Advertise
  • Contact us
  • Legal Notices
    • Read Statewide Legal Notices
  • Archives
    • News
    • Features
    • Opinion
      • Columns
      • Letters
    • Obituaries
    • Classifieds
      • Place a Classified
    • Advertise
    • Contact us
    • Legal Notices
      • Read Statewide Legal Notices
    • Archives
Stephen Lee Koch
Obituaries
August 30, 2023
Stephen Lee Koch

February 24, 1961-August 19, 2023

Stephen Lee Koch, 62, of Sanger, Texas, passed away in Colorado Springs on Saturday, August 19, 2023. Born in Lincoln, Illinois, on February 24, 1961, Steve was the son of the late James Lee Koch and Donna (Dickerson) Koch.

On March 21, 2001, Steve married Trisa McClure in Las Vegas. Trisa was the love of his life, and Steve would do anything for her and her two sons, Bryan and Jacob. Together they worked hard to achieve their dreams and goals to provide the best possible life for their family. They shared 22 beautiful years of marriage.

Steve served his country in the United States Army. He worked for Southwest Airlines as an A&P Mechanic for 14 years. In addition, he was a homebuilder and land developer. Steve could do anything he set his mind to with his persistent optimism.

Steve loved adventure, in the mountains, on the water, or wherever he may be in the moment.

He enjoyed boating and being the captain of his vessel. He was a happy-go-lucky sort of guy with a smile that lit up the room and a laugh so infectious it made you laugh along with him. He made friends wherever he went. Steve had a zest for life and lived it to the fullest.

Survivors who will cherish his memory are his wife, Trisa of Sanger; his mother, Donna Koch of Guthrie, OK; two sons, Bryan Howard II of Chicago, IL, and Dr. Jacob Howard of Little Rock, AR; two nephews who Steve loved as his own, Brody Jarnagin and Brian Jarnagin both of Guthrie OK.

Additionally, two sisters, Kristi Egelston and husband Jeff of Guthrie, OK and Karrie Patterson and husband Larry of Farmersville, TX, and one brother Scott Koch and wife Cindy of Farmersville, TX, also survive him. Steve will be missed by his family and a host of friends throughout the country.

A memorial service was held Monday, August 28, 2023, at the Old Historical Presbyterian Church in Sanger, Texas. Rick Stephens officiated the service.

Service arrangements are with Coker Funeral Home in Sanger. Please share a memory or offer condolences to the Koch Family at www.cokerfuneralhome. com.

A visit with Mr. and Mrs. Claus
Main, News...
A visit with Mr. and Mrs. Claus
December 10, 2025
this is a test
Main, News...
Vehicle problems toss wrench at sheriff
Maintenance costs pile up as agency wrestles with delays in replacing patrol cars
By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com 
December 10, 2025
Gio Mendoza’s coworkers thought he was missing for more than an hour. Emergency dispatchers were scrambling to get in touch with him. They had no idea the Ouray County sheriff’s investigator was stran...
this is a test
Main, News...
Resident: Tax money should fund ‘creatives’
By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com 
December 10, 2025
A Ridgway woman is proposing the town give "creative" residents a monthly, unconditional cash payment to encourage them to stay living and working in town. Ridgway resident Tia Mihelarakis proposed a ...
this is a test
News
Commissioner opposes change to cost-savings policy
By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com 
December 10, 2025
Ouray County Commissioner Lynn Padgett voted against a minor change to the county's new cost-savings policy, citing unclear language as the reason she canceled her attendance at a statewide conference...
this is a test
News
County OKs budget, will diminish savings
By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com 
December 10, 2025
Editor’s note: This story has been corrected to accurately reflect the county's disaster fund balance heading into 2026. Ouray County commissioners approved the county's 2026 budget during their regul...
this is a test
News
Ouray School Board considers calendar options
Opinions vary on start, end, graduation dates, four-day school week
By Deb Hurley Brobst Special to the Plaindealer 
December 10, 2025
The Ouray School District is looking at calendar options for the next two years, and officials are considering feedback from a survey of parents, staff, students and the community to help its decision...
this is a test
ePaper
coogle_play
app_store
ePaper
coogle_play
app_store
Editor Picks
Young Ridgway squad marked by stifling defense
Columns, Feature...
PREP ROUNDUP
Young Ridgway squad marked by stifling defense
By By Matt Meyer Special to the Plaindealer 
December 10, 2025
Certain career milestones set apart high school basketball players, the most well-known being 1,000 points. But on the defensive end, there’s an equivalent figure, with 300 career steals signifying a ...
this is a test
Feature
SEASON OF SHARING
Trust for Land Restoration
December 10, 2025
Editor's note: The Ouray County Plaindealer is continuing its tradition of featuring nonprofit organizations based in Ouray County, serving Ouray County in a series of profiles called Season of Sharin...
this is a test
News
Ridgway finalizes budget for 2026
December 10, 2025
Ridgway is ready to adopt its largest budget ever for 2026, after its council decided how much funding it will grant to 20 community organizations. During a Dec. 3 budget workshop, town councilors agr...
this is a test
News
Ranch allowed temporary access to plow County Road 7
December 10, 2025
Ouray County commissioners agreed to grant Wolf Cattle and Land Co. temporary access to plow snow on County Road 7 to complete a wildfire mitigation project. The ranch will receive a right-of-way encr...
this is a test
News
Clerk recommends employee replace her
December 10, 2025
Outgoing Ouray County Clerk and Recorder Cristy Lynn has issued a recommendation for her replacement when she leaves her role in January. Lynn sent a letter to county commissioners formally recommendi...
this is a test
Facebook

Remote-triggered avalanche in San Juan Mountains

First responders receive first COVID-19 vaccines

Ouray County Plaindealer
Office address:

195 S Lena St. Unit D
Ridgway, Colorado 81432
970-325-4412

Mailing address:
PO Box 529
Ridgway CO 81432

This site complies with ADA requirements

© 2023 Ouray County Plaindealer

  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Accessibility Policy