Mark Paul Koch, 74, of Huddleston, Va., passed away on Saturday, Nov. 11, 2017, at Lynchburg General Hospital. Mark was born in Humboldt, Neb., on Nov. 3, 1943, son of Arzella Hassler Koch and Francis Mark Koch.

He is survived by the love of his life and wife of 52 years, Mickie Marshall Koch; his children, Ellie Koch Elledge (John Elledge Jr.) of North Wilkesboro, Mark Jonathan Koch (Sandra McEwan) of Chesterfield, Va., Paula Koch Miller of Troutman and Margie Koch Askins of Hendersonville; his grandchildren, who loved him beyond measure and affectionately called him “Papa,” Spencer Garrett Koch (Alexa Crouch), Connor Shamus Elledge, Sarah Catherine Koch, Tristan Niall Elledge, Walter Grant Miller III, Jonathan Cary Koch, James Holloway Askins III, Emmaline Louise Miller and Sophia Mary Greene; and one cherished great-grandson, Mark-Joseph Garrett Koch. He is also survived by his only sibling, Paula Koch Sayker (Jerry Sayker) of Lincoln, Neb.

He graduated from Lincoln High School in 1961 and joined the U.S. Navy, where he served as an HM3 for three and a half years. Following his discharge, he worked for Lowe’s Companies Inc. over the course of 30 years and across three states (Virginia, Maryland, and North Carolina).

Upon retiring, Mark and his wife settled in Huddleston, Va., at Smith Mountain Lake, where he served as a volunteer for Lake Christian Ministries and on the board of directors for Our Lady of the Valley Nursing Home. Mark was a devoted member of Resurrection Catholic Church in Moneta, Va., since 1997. Known for his honesty and integrity, sense of humor, generosity and faithfulness, Mark leaves behind a legacy of love and gratitude that lives on in the hearts of his family, which includes many adored nieces and nephews as well as an abundance of exceptional friends and special neighbors.  He will be dearly and profoundly missed by all who knew him.

Per Mark’s request, a private family service was held.

Arrangements are being handled by Burch-Messier Funeral Home.