Frederick John Koch's Obituary
Frederick John Koch “Fred” passed away on May 1, 2019, after 98 loving years. Born in Columbus, Ohio on January 30, 1921, to loving parents Martha and Fred, he grew up during the Great Depression, which made a lasting impression on him, most notably by taking overripe bananas, and crafting the most delicious banana bread, which was enjoyed by family, friends, and many doctor’s offices. Like most men in the greatest generation, he enlisted during World War II, and served in the United States Navy as a Pharmacist Mate, but eventually became the Enlisted leader of the operating room in American Samoa. After serving at one of the western most hospitals for a year and a half, the Navy realized Fred’s potential and sent him to Villanova University through the V-12 program. Subsequently, the war ended, and Fred made his way back to Columbus, attending The Ohio State University. While there, he met his future wife, Mary Egan, who coincidently, also served in the Navy (WAVES), and was part of the ‘Code Girls’ unit that helped break the Japanese Code. Fred and Mary wed, November 19, 1949, and started a family. Survived by four sons, James F. (Carolyn) of LaGrange, TN, David F. of Memphis, TN, Robert W. (Elaine), of Eads, TN, and Stephen M. of Ft. Lauderdale, FL, they provided the family with many memories that Fred often shared. Fred spent 32 years with Federated Department Stores, the last 15 as the Vice President of Personnel at Goldsmith’s Department Store in Memphis. He started many programs in Memphis, including Job Readiness, a program for disadvantaged youth, and Volunteer Placement, which counseled young people on finding jobs. He also served on the Board of Directors of Theatre Memphis, Memphis Urban League, Memphis Symphony Orchestra, and Memphis Volunteer Job Placement. Retiring from Goldsmiths in 1982, he was then asked by Governor Lamar Alexander to lead the Jobs for Tennessee Graduates program. He then moved on to be the Personnel Director at Auto Zone for three years. His children began to marry, and he was blessed to have 5 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren. After retirement, he spent much of his time in the kitchen, much to the delight of family and friends. He traveled extensively after his wife passed away in 1992, and looked forward to visiting different parts of the United States and England with Michael Orr, his devoted friend of many years. Fred was a man of great wisdom, who made love the central theme of his life. It was a life well lived and a life well loved.In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the following charities in his memory. Sacred Heart Mission, Walls, MS, Make-A-Wish Foundation, and St. Louis Church and School, Memphis, Tn.Arrangements have been entrusted to Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery, 5668 Poplar Ave., Memphis, TN 38119 (901) 767-8930. “A Fitting Farewell for Everyone”.Click the link below to view Fred’s memorial tribute video:http://
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