Steve Koch

Steve Koch, 70, of Locust Grove, entered into eternal rest on July 16, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family. Born on March 17, 1955, Steve lived a life full of hard work, deep faith, and fierce love for those he held dear.

A gifted carpenter and bricklayer, Steve began his craft at just 13 years old, mixing mud for his father. Over the next 57 years, his hands built not just homes and structures, but a legacy of strength, honesty, and dedication. His work left a mark on the world, just as his heart left a mark on everyone he met. Steve was a faithful member of Corinth Missionary Baptist Church, where he lived out his love for Christ and served others with quiet kindness and unwavering faith.

He is survived by his loving wife, Renita Koch, with whom he shared a lifetime of memories and love who he was married to for 52 years. He also leaves behind his children, Brian Koch (Amy), Stephanie Blevins and her husband Shane; grandchildren, Rachel (Lane), Alexa, Ashlyn, Dawson; great-grandchildren, Aria, Adelaide, Kennedy, Preston, Lukas, Emmett, and Jaxyn.

Steve is also survived by his siblings, Timothy Koch and his wife Sonja; David Koch and Sharon Koch; Peggy and her husband Kurt Krause. He was a proud uncle to many nieces and nephews, whom he loved deeply.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents, Betty Lou Smith Koch and Bert Koch, his niece Becky Krause, his nephews Jeff and James Koch, and his brother-in-love, Mitchell Walling.

Steve’s life was a testament to the beauty of humility, the value of hard work, and the unshakeable strength of faith. He leaves behind a family who adored him and a legacy that will live on for generations. Until we meet again, rest easy Papa. You are deeply loved and forever missed.

Funeral services will be Saturday, July 19, 2025, 2:00 p.m. at the Corinth Missionary Baptist Church with Bro. Tracy Grissom officiating. Burial will follow in the Hillhouse Cemetery at Smithville.

Arrangements by Qualls Funeral Homes.

Visitation will be Saturday, July 19, 2025, 12 p.m. until service time at the church.

Pallbearers will be Randy Gengo, Mike Walling, Dawson Blevins, Shane Blevins, Lane Helm and Joel Koch.

Honorary Pallbearers are Marc Walling, Caleb Carson, Scott Perkey and Steve Jenkins.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Arkansas Children's Hospital, P.O. Box 2222 Little Rock, AR 72203.