Obituary of Henry A Koch

Henry Arnold Koch, 83, passed into the presence of his Lord and Savior on October, 5, 2020. He joined his bride of 60 years, Elaine, who predeceased him by three weeks. Henry was born in Walpole, youngest son of Herbert and Mabel Koch. He attended Norfolk County Agricultural School, with the goal of becoming a florist. After graduation, he served honorably with the Air Force in Korea. He met Elaine and they married in 1960, and had four children. During his life, he drove bus—both tour and route—for Trailways, Sansone's in Norwood, and Brush Hill Transportation. He was known as an excellent tour guide. In 1989, he and Elaine moved from Norwood to Greer, South Carolina so he could attend Bob Jones University. He enrolled as a Pastoral Studies major. During their time in South Carolina, they attended Morningside Baptist Church, where Henry ran the AWANA Clubs. They opened their home to church members, missionaries, and students alike. While a student, he preached at various nursing homes as part of his school requirements. Henry and Elaine returned to Massachusetts in 2003. They attended West Church for many years. Henry went on several church mission trips to help poor people in need of home repairs. When Elaine was confined to a nursing facility, he visited her every day. During the COVID shutdown, he went to dialysis with her, sitting by her side. Henry is survived by four children: Linda Bennett (Robert) of Greenville, SC, Phyllis Johansen (Larry) of North Andover, John Koch (Linda) of Attleboro, and Daniel Koch (Alma) of Fountain Inn, SC. He is also survived by 13 grandchildren,11 great-grandchildren, and a number of nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by both parents and three siblings, Marjorie Davis, Robert Koch, and Elizabeth Forbestein. Public visitation will be held on Saturday from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM immediately followed by his Celebration of Life service at 11:00 AM at the West Church, Johnson St., West Peabody. Relatives and friends are kindly to attend. Services will be live streamed for those who will be unable to attend at https://youtu.be/ln5pyKWRrI4 In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy can be made in his name to he American Heart Association, or to the American Cancer Society.