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.

Tassel worth the hassle
Main, News...
Tassel worth the hassle
Ouray County schools celebrate graduation, with Ouray School graduating 12, Ridgway Secondary School graduating 20 students in the class of 2026
May 27, 2026
Ouray School graduation, photos by Erin McIntyre – Ouray County Plaindealer Ridgway Secondary School graduation, photos by Erin McIntyre – Ouray County Plaindealer
this is a test
Main, News...
Governments push for better transit service
County, city, town want OurWay shuttle to run more frequently, be more user-friendly
By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com 
May 27, 2026
Ouray County’s three local governments are calling for the OurWay shuttle to run more often and become more user-friendly. Local government leaders want the Montrose-to-Ouray service to run at least s...
this is a test
News
County denies permit for disc golf tourney
Log Hill neighbors complain about impacts; property owners claim they were 'trying to take the right steps'
By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com 
May 27, 2026
Ouray County commissioners on Tuesday denied a permit for a disc golf tournament on residential properties on Log Hill Mesa, after hearing further complaints from the public. Land Use Department staff...
this is a test
News
Citizens petition city to pave Oak Street
By Mike Wiggins mike@ouraynews.com 
May 27, 2026
A group of residents has petitioned the city of Ouray to pave Oak Street, claiming the work is needed to control dust, accommodate increased traffic and preserve an important thoroughfare for resident...
this is a test
Award-winning ‘Lord of the Rings’ parody comes to Ouray
Feature
Award-winning ‘Lord of the Rings’ parody comes to Ouray
'Fly, You Fools!' plays at the Wright Opera House Friday-Monday
By Mike Wiggins mike@ouraynews.com 
May 27, 2026
You know the lines. Or at least you’ve seen the memes — and the myriad spinoffs of them. “One does not simply walk into Mordor.” “One ring to rule them all.” “What about second breakfast?” “You shall ...
this is a test
Letters, Opinion...
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Letters show small-town politics at its worst
May 27, 2026
Dear Editor: I found last week’s article about the letter-writing campaign that influenced Ouray city councilors to block Tamara Gulde from returning to the council after she lost her race for mayor t...
this is a test
ePaper
coogle_play
app_store
ePaper
coogle_play
app_store
Editor Picks
Letters, Opinion...
To change behavior, change infrastructure
May 27, 2026
Dear Editor: Two current local controversies are similar and could benefit from consideration of basic behavioral science principles. Both issues involve protection of people and public places from in...
this is a test
Letters, Opinion...
Smear campaign against Gulde disappointing
May 27, 2026
Dear Editor: I am writing as a citizen of Ouray, a citizen who is very disappointed that we have among us a faction of folks who “organized” (or should I say “Orgrenized”) against Tamara Gulde and sen...
this is a test
Will Super El Niño boost winter snow? Stay tuned
Columns, Opinion...
Will Super El Niño boost winter snow? Stay tuned
By Karen Risch 
May 27, 2026
A “9,000 mile “freight train of warm water” — a Kelvin wave — “hundreds of feet deep” in the Pacific Ocean has surged eastward toward Peru since April. Scientists are monitoring its progress. Named af...
this is a test
Looking Back
News
Looking Back
May 27, 2026
Compiled from the files of The Ouray County Herald, The Ridgway Sun, and The Ouray County Plaindealer 60 Years Ago May 26, 1966 Before Judge Harry Flora in County Court Tuesday, Thurman Grady Rohus, 3...
this is a test
Columns, Feature...
PREP ROUNDUP
Reflection, projection as Ridgway girls’ soccer season comes to close
By By Bernie Pearce Special to the Plaindealer 
May 27, 2026
Although the Ridgway girls’ soccer team’s run for a championship ended earlier this month in Westminster with a second round 6-1 defeat at the feet of the Flatirons Academy Bison, it was a season to b...
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