Robert Koch Obituary – FL

Koch, Robert M., of Parkland, FL, Wilmington, VT, and formerly of Fairfax, VA, originally from Greenfield, MA, died August 27, 2005. After graduating from the University of Massachusetts, he worked for the United States Department of Agriculture for five years as County Executive in Franklin County, MA, for the Agricultural Conservation and Stabilization Service (ASCS) Program. He then spent five years in the Washington, DC, Department of Agriculture Office of the ASCS, administering the Materials Conservation Program for the nine northern states. After this, he founded the National Agricultural Limestone Institute, which eventually became the National Limestone Institute, and served as its president for 35 years. The National Limestone Institute was an organization of limestone producers throughout the country. During this period he actively sought funds for the Agricultural Conservation Program and the Interstate Highway Program. He was invited by President Lyndon Baines Johnson to a signing ceremony for the bill due to his contributions in securing the passage of that bill. During part of this period, he was also Executive Director of the World Food Crisis Committee, where he organized two International Conferences on World Hunger. In addition to being one of the founders of the Graham Road Methodist Church in Falls Church, VA, he was a member of the American Road Builders Association, which honored him with life membership, a life member of the Capitol Hill Club, and a whole life. member of Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity. An inspiring leader; a political influencer; a philanthropist; a loving husband and father; a source of emotional support, strength and wisdom; an adoring grandfather; a loving friend; and an avid gardener. These are the memories of his son and daughter. His beloved wife of 61 years, Helene Radowicz Koch, predeceased him in 2000. He is survived by two children, Robert M. Koch, Jr., of Concord, NH, and Marilyn Gowing of Georgetown, Washington, DC, and two grandchildren. , Sarah Coleen Hanlon Koch of Ithaca, NY and Lindsey Kristine Collier Koch of Alexandria, VA. Funeral services were held Thursday, September 8, 2005 at 11:00 a.m. at ADVENT FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES, 7211 Lee Highway, Falls Church, VA. Burial will follow at National Memorial Park, 7400 Lee Highway, Falls Church, VA. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy in Mr. Koch’s memory may be made to Graham Road United Methodist Church, 2929 Graham Rd, Falls Church, VA 22042.