Raymond Eugene Koch

Raymond Eugene Koch, 77 of Gautier, went to meet his Precious Savior on Sunday, August 22, 2010. There all the pain and suffering he had so courageously endured was all wiped away. He's now walking those streets of gold without a struggle. Ray was born in Fort Scott, Kansas on March 13, 1933 to Frank and Jennie Koch. He graduated high school in Plainview, Kansas and joined the United States Navy shortly thereafter. He served fifty-two days and received a medical discharge, a huge disappointment for him. Ray worked nearly forty years as a logistics engineer. His health forced him to take an early retirement in 1989 from Martin Marietta Aerospace. Ray loved gardening, and working in the yard was a joy to him. He loved reading and collecting gardening books. He was a member of the Jackson County Master Gardeners. When he was younger, Ray worked with the Boy Scouts. He enjoyed watching baseball and football, especially the children's games. He was a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He was happiest when surrounded by his children and grandchildren. He considered them a gift from God and treasured each one. Ray was a member of Gautier United Methodist Church. He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Jennie Koch; brothers, Warren and Wayne Koch; daughter, June Diane Vining; and grandson, Chad Edward Vining. Ray is survived by his loving wife of thirty-two years, Betty J. Koch. Ray and Betty's union brought together nine wonderful children and Ray was very proud of all of them. The children, Ricky (Janet) Koch, Roger (Wanda) Koch, Sheri Denette Koch Hardy, Leonard Kevlin Vining, Bobby Edward (Linda) Vining, Rebecca Catherine (Levi) Church and Daniel Joseph (Tammy) Vining; grandchildren, Jonathan, Patrick, Brandi, Katie, Michael, Caitlyn, Courtney, Tara Vining and Casey Vining Divito, Kelly, Chris, Justin, Tiffaney, Johnny and Jerry Koch, Brian, Dwayne, Sumer and Leah Church and Garrett and Olivia Hardy; great-grandchildren, Sabian, Shiann, Alexis and Landon Vining, Brady, Raleigh, Reese, Marcus, Karra, Lexi, Tank, Isabella, Anastasia, Zachary and Zoe Koch, Dylan, Jade, Trey, Drevon and Hayden Church, Michaela and Kayden Divito and Cayson Reese. Ray left a huge hole in all our hearts but we know he's walking with Jesus and we'll see him one day soon. Visitation will be Tuesday, August 24, 2010 from 6:00 until 8:00pm at Holder-Wells Funeral Home in Moss Point. Funeral services will be held at 11:00am on Wednesday, August 25, 2010 from the chapel of Holder-Wells Funeral Home with Rev. James Salter, Rev. M.L. McCormick and Rev. Ron Stanley officiating. Interment will follow at Crestlawn Cemetery in Ocean Springs. Arrangements by Holder-Wells Funeral Home, Moss Point, Mississippi. An online register is available at www.holderwellsfuneralhome.com.

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Raymond Eugene Koch

March 13, 1933 - August 22, 2010