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.

Popular trail needs new steward
Main, News...
Popular trail needs new steward
Uncompahgre Riverway Trail founder, longtime volunteer ready to step down
By James Hanlon 
September 23, 2026
Chip Marlow, the man who spearheaded the construction of the Uncompahgre Riverway Trail from Ridgway to Ridgway State Park, has maintained the multiuse path largely by himself for many years. Now 80 y...
this is a test
Main, News...
‘Super El Niño’ won’t be savior for West Slope
Officials: Warming Pacific temps may bring more snow but won't wipe out drought or fill reservoirs
By Chart Riggall 
September 23, 2026
GRAND JUNCTION — Amid a stream of bad news for Western Slope water stakeholders last week, Russ Schumacher had the pleasure of opening the sluice. Nearly on the far side of the state’s worst drought y...
this is a test
Judge to hotel: End workforce housing
Main, News...
Judge to hotel: End workforce housing
Injunction prohibits MTN Lodge from housing resort construction workers
By James Hanlon 
September 23, 2026
A district court judge has ordered Ridgway's largest hotel to stop housing construction workers who are building a new Four Seasons in Mountain Village. In a preliminary injunction filed Sept. 16, the...
this is a test
Investigators close case on mine shaft death
Main, News...
Investigators close case on mine shaft death
Nearly a year later, authorities conclude Ridgway resident Jennifer Nelson accidentally drowned
By Erin McIntyre erin@ouraynews.com 
September 23, 2026
Eleven months after rescue volunteers found Jennifer Nelson's body in a water-filled mine shaft on Red Mountain Pass, investigators are left wondering what her final moments looked like. Their case, w...
this is a test
City ready to cut losses with building
News
City ready to cut losses with building
More than a year after purchase, council tells staff to sell empty Sixth Avenue property for reduced price
By Mike Wiggins mike@ouraynews.com 
September 23, 2026
When the two-story building across the street from Ouray City Hall went up for sale last spring, Ouray city leaders scrambled to buy it, envisioning a top-tobottom renovation culminating in a new, lar...
this is a test
News
Board recommends denial of Pleasant Valley subdivision for teacher housing donation
By James Hanlon 
September 23, 2026
An attempted act of generosity began to fall apart when the Ouray County Planning Commission recommended Ouray County commissioners deny a request to subdivide a parcel of land in Pleasant Valley that...
this is a test
ePaper
coogle_play
app_store
ePaper
coogle_play
app_store
Editor Picks
News
Ouray to evaluate cost of fixing bathhouse
Contractor will be paid $85K to assess facility condition
By Mike Wiggins mike@ouraynews.com 
September 23, 2026
The city of Ouray will spend up to $85,000 to evaluate the condition of the Ouray Hot Springs Pool bathhouse and determine what it would cost to remodel the facility. A divided Ouray City Council info...
this is a test
News
County widens search for more disaster aid
Feds den y grant request to protect public infrastructure
By Chart Riggall 
September 23, 2026
Ouray County officials must renew their search for additional disaster aid after the federal government dashed their hopes for another significant potential funding source this week. Despite previousl...
this is a test
Letters, Opinion...
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
With inflated spending, commissioners break faith of voters, staff
By J Gary Dunn 
September 23, 2026
Dear Editor: It is not surprising that Ouray County finds itself in a financial bind because of profligate spending. The pandemic greatly increased visitation to Ouray County and sales tax revenue has...
this is a test
Letters, Opinion...
Areas beyond Blue Lakes deserving of protection
By Kim Shinew 
September 23, 2026
Dear Editor: I would like to thank the previous contributors for sharing their thoughts regarding the use of off-road/off-highway vehicles (ORVs/OHVs) in the backcountry, specifically around Camp Bird...
this is a test
Looking Back
Feature
Looking Back
September 23, 2026
Compiled from the files of The Ouray County Herald, The Ridgway Sun, and The Ouray County Plaindealer 60 Years Ago September 22, 1966 Lady Bird, the tiny mule colt foaled by a Shetland pony, is dead, ...
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