JOHN D. KOCH

HOLTON- John D. Koch, 82, of Holton, KS passed away Wednesday, February 4, 2009 in Holton. He was born October 8, 1926 in Plattsburg, MO, the son of Harris C. and Gertrude McDonald Koch.
John lived in Missouri and Iowa before moving to Holton in 1932. He graduated from Holton High School in 1944. He served in the United States Navy aboard the USS Severn during WWII.
John had worked for Brown & Brown and Lasaters Clothing Stores and managed several of their area locations. He later worked as a salesman for BMB Inc. and Alamo Group in Holton for 29 years, retiring as vice-president of sales. John served for several years as director of the Holton Chamber of Commerce and also worked at other various local businesses after his retirement. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Holton. He was also a member of the VFW Post #1367 in Holton, Holton Country Club and AARP. John was a life member and Past Commander of the American Legion Post #44 in Holton and served on the Holton School Board.
He married Joyce Perrigo on November 22, 1947 in Holton. She survives. Other survivors include his daughters, Sherry Slimmer (Steve) and LeAnn Brown (Tom) both of Holton; 5 grandchildren, 2 step-grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren and 8 step-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his sister, Ruth Gann and his brother, Carl Koch.
Memorial services will be 10:00 a.m. Thursday, February 12, 2009 at the Mercer Funeral Home in Holton. Inurnment will be in Holton Cemetery. The family will greet friends from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday evening at the funeral home. Memorials may be given to the 1st UMC Music Dept. or the Holton High School Football Program c/o Mercer Funeral Home, Box 270, Holton, KS 66436.