William Robert Koch

Bob was born on August 27, 1940, in Corpus Christi, Texas, and raised in San Antonio, where he showed his industrious spirit early on by selling newspapers on street corners at the age of seven. In 1956, he married Jo Ann Helton and began building a life centered around family, hard work, and perseverance.

In 1967, Bob moved his young family to Lake Jackson, Texas, where he began his long and fulfilling career with Dow Badische, later known as BASF. After retiring in 1996, he continued to work part-time jobs—sometimes juggling up to three at a time—never content to sit still. He spent his retirement years with his second wife, doting on his grandchildren and making the most of each day. After her passing in 2021, Bob moved to Burnet to be closer to his daughter and her family.

Bob was ‘proud of the things he’d done and the people he loved.’ His quiet strength, humor, and work ethic left a lasting impression on all who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Percy L. Koch and Grace Brown Koch; his second wife of 40 years; four sisters; one brother; and his beloved grandson, David Koch.

Bob is survived by his daughter, Deborah (Michael) Page of Burnet, and his son, Robert “Bill” (Cathy) Koch of Missouri. He is also survived by his grandchildren Michaelanne Page, Zachary (Oriana) Page, Cody Koch, and Shelby Koch; two great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.

The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to his compassionate caregiving team: Terry Dewey, Nikol Meeks, Lucy Salazar, Shirley Szarkowski, and hospice nurse Krystal Williams.

A casual gathering to celebrate Bob’s life will be held on Saturday, July 19, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the S.H. Reed Building, located at 402 E. Jackson St., Burnet, TX.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to either the Hill Country Humane Society or the Hill Country Community Foundation – Donald Fawcett Memorial Scholarship in Bob’s honor.