Billy Joe “Dynamite” Koch, 84, of Centralia, went to be with the Lord Wednesday, July 30th at home surrounded by his family. He was born June 9th, 1941, in Centralia, the son of Emil Henry Koch and Pauline Cunningham Koch.
He is survived by three sons: John Koch and wife Misty of Centralia, Jerry Koch and wife Jessica of Dix, and Jason Koch and wife Kristi of Dix; significant other: Flora Isaak of Centralia; one brother: Terry Koch and wife Debbie of Hoffman; twenty grandkids; several great grandchildren; a very special family friend: Robin Wilbur; and many great nieces and nephews.
Bill was a Centralian all his life and worked at the Community Center for eight years. He worked for Bunny Bread for thirty-two years and was a Union Steward for the local Teamsters. He also worked for four years at the Centralia City Schools. Bill was a firefighter with the Centralia Fire Protection District for eight years. He enjoyed playing on the Wednesday night Skips golf league for many years. His pastime was going camping, in which he enjoyed because of all the new places he went to and experiences. He owned and operated Centralia Ice Sales for several years. Bill could be found at Arizona Joe’s every afternoon, having a beer with his friends.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, two sons: Jimmy Koch and Jeffrey Koch, four sisters: Jackie Middleton, Carol Sue Thomas, Sandy Stamer, and Donna Jean Martin.
Graveside Services for Billy Koch will be held on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, at 1:30 pm at Hillcrest Memorial Park Cemetery in Centralia with Pastor Steve Upchurch officiating. A visitation for family and friends will be held on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home in Centralia. In memory of Bill, memorial donations may be made to the Centralia Animal Shelter, and will be accepted by the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home at 235 North Sycamore Street in Centralia, IL 62801 (618) 532-3523, who is honored to be of service to the Koch family. Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.sutherlandfuneralhome.com or the Funeral Home’s Facebook page.
