Kern County CA Archives Obituaries.....Koch , Walter Fred November 26, 2005 ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/ca/cafiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: K T bluewolf@onemain.com December 27, 2005, 1:39 am The Bakersfield Californian Koch, Walter Fred 1931 - 2005 Walter Fred Koch July 26, 1931 - Nov. 26, 2005 Services: Thurs., Dec. 1, 11 a.m. Walter Fred Koch was born on July 26, 1931, in Gatesville, Texas to Walter Albert Koch and Lydia Marie (Schaub) Koch. He was received into the loving arms of his Savior on November 26, 2005. He attended colleges in Gardena, California and Bakersfield College where he obtained his Associates Degree. Walt served as an electrician in the United States Air Force in the early 50s and was stationed at Nellis Air Force Base, Las Vegas, Nevada. For many years Walt owned and operated Walts Diesel Repair, postponing retirement until he reached his early seventies. Walt loved to work. Throughout his years at Walts Diesel he helped train many young men and women as mechanics and was involved in the R.O.P. He was an active member of University Baptist Church, serving on many church boards throughout the years. He loved serving the Lord, spending many Saturdays directing the work days at the church and many hours building playground equipment for the churchs child life program. Walt was an avid clock collector who loved to rebuild and restore antique clocks. Walt was a member of the local and chapter of the National Association of Clocks and Watches (NAWCC). He just received distinction as a Fellow by the NAWCC for his valuable contributions in the field of horology and the affairs of the association. Walt was instrumental in the restoration and maintenance of the Beale Clock. Walt was an active member of the Fox Theater Foundation and loved helping restore the clock and clock tower. He thoroughly enjoyed working alongside the men in the Saturday Group who worked with him on this project. Walt engineered and built a beautiful street clock that is currently being installed on the corner of H and 20th streets, across from the Fox Theatre. This dream is being realized with the help of the Fox Foundation, as well as special friends, Norman Knight, Walter Allsman, Earl McNab, Basil Knowlton, David Cabral, Fred Kittredge, J.B. Selvedge, Bob Tuttle, and family members, Chris Koch and Donnie Koch. Walter was also a member of the local chapter of the national Model T Ford Club. He and his wife, Marie enjoyed many years of tours and travels with the Model T Club of Kern County. He considered this group a part of his family. Walter is survived by Marie, his wife of 35 years; his brothers, Richard Koch and wife, Betty, Paul Koch and wife, Carol, Donnie Koch and wife, Marion; his favorite uncle, John Koch; his children, daughter, Aven Pecor of Wellington, New Zealand; sons, Andrew Koch and wife, Cindy, Walter Fred Koch Jr. and wife, Jan, both of Bakersfield; stepsons, Thomas Royal and wife, Linda of Shasta Lake, CA, and Carlos Royal and wife, Reva of San Diego, CA. Walter is also survived by his grandchildren, David Witcher, Joshua Royal, Karla Koch, Misti Royal, Denice Destherage, Christopher Koch, Camie Pecor, Michelle Turner, Austin Royal, Todd Royal, Kindal Royal, Hanna Royal, Riley Royal and 11 great-grandchildren. Walter was preceded in death by his son, Mark Daniel Koch; stepson, Robert Sands and granddaughter, Amber Rae Royal. The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to our dear friend, Dr. Bruce Rimmer, the Hospice Nurses, Angelo, Sharon and Lupe and many other friends too numerous to list. Viewing begins Wednesday, November 30th, from 4-8 p.m. at Hillcrest Mortuary. A memorial service will be held Thursday, December 1st, 11:00 a.m., at University Baptist Church with graveside service to immediately follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to University Baptist Church, or to the American Cancer Society. Legacy.com Published in the Bakersfield Californian on 11/29/2005. Additional Comments: Volunteer submission - No relation to deceased No other information available from submitter. Obituaries http://www.legacy.com/bakersfield/LegacyHome.asp File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/ca/kern/obits/k/koch1150gob.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/cafiles/ File size: 4.6 Kb