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.

Ridgway girls run down state title
Main, News...
Ridgway girls run down state title
Young team blows past competition to hoist Class 2A cross country trophy
By By Matt Meyer Special to the Plaindealer 
November 5, 2025
There isn’t a perfect translation for “hill” in Chinese. That's something Natasha Hessler discovered when she arrived at the famous creek crossing during the Colorado State Cross Country Championship ...
this is a test
Underwood elected mayor
Main, News...
ELECTION 2025
Underwood elected mayor
Hart joins council, which needs to fill two spots
By Mike Wiggins mike@ouraynews.com 
November 5, 2025
Ouray City Councilor Michael Underwood won election to the mayor’s seat Tuesday night, succeeding on a campaign that emphasized fiscal conservatism and a vow to fix what he perceives as a disconnect b...
this is a test
News
Property tax hikes pass for cemetery, fire districts
By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com 
November 5, 2025
Voters Tuesday night approved tax increases for the Cedar Hill Cemetery District and the Ouray Fire Protection District. A measure to increase the cemetery district’s mill levy from 0.33 mills to 1 mi...
this is a test
News
ELECTION 2025
Voters approve new county lodging tax
By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com 
November 5, 2025
Voters in unincorporated Ouray County approved a new 6% lodging tax that is expected to provide more than $182,000 in additional funding during a tight 2026 budget year and into the future. The measur...
this is a test
News
ELECTION 2025
Fagrelius, Meruelo win school board seats
By Erin McIntyre erin@ouraynews.com 
November 5, 2025
Ouray voters have chosen two former educators to join the Ouray School Board, according to unofficial results from Tuesday’s election. Three candidates competed for two open seats on the school board,...
this is a test
News
Hurd introduces reservoir legislation
By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com 
November 5, 2025
U.S. Rep. Jeff Hurd has introduced legislation to transfer ownership of Crystal Reservoir from the U.S. Forest Service to the city of Ouray, identical to a Senate bill introduced in September, after w...
this is a test
ePaper
coogle_play
app_store
ePaper
coogle_play
app_store
Editor Picks
Letters, Opinion...
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
County makes right call on prairie dogs
November 5, 2025
Dear Editor: I would like to offer a different perspective in support of the decision by the Ouray County Board of County Commissioners to proceed with management of the prairie dog colony at Top of t...
this is a test
Letters, Opinion...
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
A humble request for less puzzle pain
November 5, 2025
Dear Editor: Is it just me, or is the Plaindealer crossword puzzle often taking pleasure by inflicting pain on others (sadistic)? For example, here are some actual clues (and answers) from the Oct. 9 ...
this is a test
Letters, Opinion...
Citizens have benefited from Weiser’s record
November 5, 2025
Dear Editor: Attorney General Phil Weiser is running for governor of Colorado. As attorney general he has a proven record that has been advantageous to the citizens of Colorado. Recently President Don...
this is a test
As daylight dwindles, how can we curb energy use?
Columns, Opinion...
As daylight dwindles, how can we curb energy use?
By Karen Risch 
November 5, 2025
Ouray’s first frost occurred Oct. 17, three weeks after the average frost date, Sept. 26. It was a fitting end to a hot, droughty summer. Occasional downpours helped but were no substitute for a full ...
this is a test
News
Ouray utility bills to rise by 6%
Acting on public input, council ditches plan for new signs at Rotary Park, Hot Springs Pool entrance
By Mike Wiggins mike@ouraynews.com 
November 5, 2025
Ouray residents and business owners will see their utility bills rise by 6% next year, as the city seeks additional revenue to meet the requirements of the loans on its new wastewater and water treatm...
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