Charles (Charlie) Eugene Koch was born in De Soto on March 23, 1933, the son of Joseph and Elizabeth Koch. He passed away at the age of 93 on June 23, 2026 at Mercy Jefferson hospital.
He is survived by his children, Richard “Rick” (Brenda) Koch, De Soto, Michael (Mary) Koch, De Soto, and Victoria (Robert “Junior”) Johnston, Cadet; three grandchildren: Brian (Heather) Koch, Melissa (Danny) Brown and David (Christy) Baeres; nine great-grandchildren: Matt, Joe, Bri, Drake, Lucas, Benjamin, Norah, Maria and Elizabeth; one brother-in-law, Vincent Schutte, Jr (Peoria, AZ). Charlie was shown kindness and friendship by his wonderful caregivers, Jackie O’Hanlon and Jennifer Osia, whose young granddaughter, Claira, became a special friend.
He was preceded in death by his wife of nearly 70 years, Dorothy, and his siblings; Aurelia (Skeeter), Herman (Dutch) and Mildred (Mil).
After 40 years with MoPac & Union Pacific Railroad, he retired in 1993 and was proud to be one of the founding members of the De Soto Railroad Employees’ Memorial, Inc. A lifelong member of St. Rose of Lima Church, he served as an usher for many years. Charlie enjoyed hobbies like trips with the Show-Me Car Club, woodworking, making beautiful handmade ornaments and he was well-known for his elaborate outdoor Christmas displays. Throughout his life, he generously donated nearly 20 gallons of blood to the Red Cross.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in memory of Charlie Koch can be made to St. Rose of Lima Church for the “School Success Fund” at 504 South Third Street, De Soto, MO 63020 or to the De Soto Railroad Employees’ Memorial, Inc at P.O. Box 146, De Soto, MO 63020.