George L. Koehl

George L. Koehl, age 80, passed away on Sunday August 18, 2019 at Clyde W. Cosper Texas State Veteran Home in Bonham, Texas. George was born on Monday March 6, 1939 in Brooklyn, New York to Rose Koehl and Howard Koehl. He was the baby of the family and his mother lovingly called him "Georgie". He grew up in Brooklyn, New York with his two older siblings; Howard Jr. and Rosemary. By all accounts he was a good son and brother. His family is all in agreement that he was mom's favorite - "The apple of her eye".

He graduated from Lafayette High School in Brooklyn, New York in June of 1956. He joined the United States Air Force shortly after graduation. He served proudly in the USAF for over 20 years retiring as a Master Sergeant.

He had many duty stations during his years in the service and was deployed to Vietnam during the war where he earned a Bronze Star. He was in the intelligence services with the 6924th Security Squadron in Da Nang ‘70-‘71 and then in Ramasun Station ‘71. He later developed Parkinson’s from exposure to Agent Orange during that period. Though he didn't talk much about his time in the military, he was very proud to serve his country.

He worked in insurance for 27 years after retirement from the military. Also, after numerous interruptions due to military deployment, he was able to complete his college degree at Southwest Texas State University in May of 1980.

He was raised a Baptist and considered becoming a minister a couple of times but as life would happen he changed his direction.

He married the love of his life and best friend; Elizabeth McKay Douglas on December 10, 1960 in Scotland. They were married for almost 59 years. Together they had four wonderful and loving sons. George was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather.

He tried to be a good example for his four sons. He taught and explained things to them, worked with them on projects and sports. He coached them through life in order for them to become good, well rounded and independent adults.

He was fair, honest, dependable and very supportive. He was a highly intelligent man who didn't talk a lot but when he did, he meant it and people listened. He would give help or advice to family and peers when they needed it. Above all if they didn't already know it he would want his family to know he loved them very much.

George played baseball well enough during his youth that he was invited by a famous N.Y. Team for "tryouts" but chose the United States Air Force instead. He was good at drawing and sketching, and bowling but those went by the wayside as work and family became priority. At home he would fix, repair or build anything including electronics and cars.

As the family grew and went on to begin their own lives he took up golf and metal detecting but eventually that became difficult because of his health. He liked to read a lot and managed to keep his coin collecting going for decades until his eyesight became worse. He was a member of the Golden Triangle Explorers Society.

His favorite places to be, besides family get togethers, was anywhere he could go metal detecting and any close by recliner, although he enjoyed laying on the floor with a pillow.

He loved all types of music; big band, jive, doo wop, country, pop and even some current bands and singers. However his favorite was classical especially Mozart. Thankfully as his health declined his amazing hearing was still intact. Put on some music and his body would move but put on some Mozart and, he would close his eyes and conduct the orchestra.

George is survived by his; wife - Elizabeth M. Koehl, son - Raymond D. Koehl, son - Perry L. Koehl, son - Glenn W. Koehl and, son - Daryl R. Koehl and daughter-in-law - Teresa Koehl. He also has 10 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.

George was preceded in death by; father - Howard Koehl, mother - Rose Koehl, brother - Howard Koehl, sister - Rosemary Koehl, great grandchild - Brianna Stephenson and great grandchild - Isabella Stephenson.

A funeral service with military honors for George will be held Saturday, August 31, 2019 from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Ted Dickey West Funeral Home, 8011 Frankford Road, Dallas, Texas. A visitation with catered reception will occur Saturday, August 31, 2019 from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM, 8011 Frankford Road, Dallas, Texas. The family will have a private committal service at Dallas Fort Worth National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in George's memory may be made to Parkinson's Foundation, https://secure3.convio.net/prkorg/site/SPageNavigator/2017_donate_form_2.html?_ga=2.233952414.1419621606.1566339932-77199614.1566339932.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.teddickeywestfuneral.com for the Koehl family.