This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Surnames: KOCH, BINGHAM, D'AGOSTINO, NEEL, ADAMS, BRANAUGH, POLETE, MOSIER Classification: Obituary Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/lNB.2ACI/3829 Message Board Post: Leo Anthony (Deda) Koch, Jr. of Old Mines, born October 18, 1946 departed this life Wednesday, March 16, 2005. Deda enjoyed 58 years, 5 months and 26 days of life. The eyes are the window to the soul..Deda's eyes were the window to his heart and they would melt yours. Deda communicated with people through his eyes - he loved having you sit beside him holding his hand and talking to him. At the age of 18 months, Deda contracted encephalitis, which left him unable to care for himself. Nonetheless, Mom and Daddy made sure Deda lived a very happy and healthy life. Family outings, birthday parties and kids climbing on his bed and riding with him on his wheelchair brought loving smiles and warm glances from Deda. Deda's heartwarming smile, deep brown eyes and sighs were all signs of his comfort around family and friends. He could always make you feel better with his loving smile. Deda enjoyed visits from family and friends, especially his nieces and nephew. The children loved to play with Deda's stuffed animals, toys, and they especially liked rubbing his head to feel his new haircut. Deda was preced in death by his parents, Leo and Gladys Koch and one brother, Kelly Koch. Deda remains in the heart of his surviving siblings; Karl Koch of Old Mines, Sheelagh Koch Binham (husband Steve) of Park Hills, Carman Koch D'Agostino (Harry) of Jacksonville, FL and Janine Koch Neel (Frank) of Hillsboro. His cousin, who is thought of as a sister, Phyllis Adams was a wonderful caregiver for Deda; his nephew, Harry "J.'D." D'Agostino II, nieces, Karla Koch. Rachel Neel, Catherine Kelly D'Agostino and Audrey Neel will have fond memories of their uncle. Close family members with special memories of Deda include step nieces, uncle Bob Branaugh, dear cousin Catherine Polete, aunt Ann and Judy Mosier. He is also survived by aunts, many cousins and friends. Visitation for Deda was held Friday, March 18, 20-05 from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. Funeral Mass and burial services were held Saturday, March 19, 2005 with Fr. Ted Pieper officiating. Funeral arrangements under the direction of Moore Funeral Home of Potosi, MO. Independent Journal, Potosi, MO, Thursday, March 24, 2005