Victor E. Koch Jr.

Victor Emanuel Koch, Jr, 96 passed away Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2016 at Delmar Gardens of Lenexa. Cremation is planned with memorial service to be held 1:00 pm Friday, February 26, 2016 at Carson-Speaks Chapel, 1501 W. Lexington Ave., Independence, MO 64052. A Graveside service with full military honors will be held 3:00 p.m., Friday at Missouri State Veterans Cemetery in Higginsville. In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations in his name to the Great Plains SPCA. Victor was born July 18, 1919 in Joplin, MO to Victor E. and Margaret (Hall) Koch, Sr. He graduated from Joplin High School and earned an associates degree. He had owned and operated Vic Koch Excavating from the mid 1950’s until he retired in 1991. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and gardening. He was a member of the Ararat Shrine and the Presbyterian Church. He proudly served in the US Army during WWII in the Philippines where he was a pharmacist at the local hospital and later served as an MP. He is survived by; his children, Susan Tebbetts and husband Jim of San Clemente, CA, Alice Salisbury and husband Hugh of Vista, CA, Victor E. Koch III “Buzz” of Independence, MO and Kimberly Raidy and husband Rick of San Diego, CA; a sister, Eugenia Knight of Pearland, TX; 3 nieces a nephew; a daughter-in-law, Karen Stewart; 13 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren and his 4 legged side kick Babydoll. He was preceded in death by his 1st wife, Helen in 1989, his 2nd wife Judy in 2013 a sister, Marie Hampton and step son Steve Stewart. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.speakschapel.com (Arrangements: Carson-Speaks Chapel (816) 252-7900)