Charles E. “Charlie” Koch, 93, of De Soto died June 23, 2026, at Mercy Hospital Jefferson in Crystal City. After 40 years with MoPac and Union Pacific Railroad, Mr. Koch 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 Catholic Church, he served as an usher for many years. He enjoyed going on trips with the Show-Me Car Club, woodworking and making handmade ornaments. He was well-known for his elaborate outdoor Christmas displays. Throughout his life, he donated nearly 20 gallons of blood to the Red Cross. Born March 23, 1933, in De Soto, he was the son of the late Joseph and Elizabeth Koch.
He was preceded in death by his wife of nearly 70 years: Dorothy (Schutte) Koch.
He is survived by three children: Richard “Rick” (Brenda) Koch of De Soto, Michael (Mary) Koch of De Soto and Victoria (Robert “Junior”) Johnston of 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; a brother-in-law: Vincent Schutte Jr. of Peoria, Ariz.; and his caregivers: Jackie O’Hanlon and Jennifer Osia, whose granddaughter, Claira, became a close friend.
He also was preceded in death by a brother: Herman “Dutch” Koch; and two sisters: Aurelia “Skeeter” Speidel and Mildred “Mil” Henley.
Visitation is scheduled from 4-8 p.m. Monday, June 29, at Dietrich-Mothershead Funeral Home, 220 N. Main St., in De Soto, 63020. A funeral Mass is scheduled for 10 a.m. Tuesday, June 30, at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, 504 S. Third St., in De Soto. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery in De Soto. Memorials may be made to St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church for the School Success Fund or to the De Soto Railroad Employees’ Memorial Inc., P.O. Box 146, De Soto, 63020. Arrangements are under the direction of Dietrich-Mothershead Funeral Home.