Joel Dean "J.D." Koehn

J.D. Koehn passed away on Monday, July 25, 2022. Visitation will be Wednesday, June 27th from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Harpers Funeral Home, San Angelo Texas. Celebration of Life will be at First Christian Church on Thursday, July 28th, 10:00 a.m. 

J.D. was born to Richard and Lorene Wood Koehn on March 2, 1953, in Houston, Texas. J.D. graduated from C.E. King High School in 1971. 

It was then that J.D. began his amazing college basketball career at Angelo State University, where he excelled holding numerous records and made life-long friends. Thank you, Phil George, for getting that Houston boy to West Texas. 

After graduating from ASU in 1976, J.D. began his career as an educator at Lee Junior High. He had such a calming effect on his students, athletes, and colleagues, he was often referred to as the “Gentle Giant.” 

In 1983, J.D. began working as a caseworker at West Texas Boys Ranch. He touched many lives there as well. He loved the Ranch and the principles for which it stood. 

J.D. returned to Lee in 1991. He taught freshman history and completed his Master’s degree at ASU. Then, he became the assistant principal at Lincoln Middle School where he had such respect for the students, teachers, and staff. He loved his time there. After a few years, he came back home to Lee Junior High as an assistant principal, and eventually as principal. 

J.D. was again admired and respected by everyone at Lee. 

In 2008, J.D. retired for a second time from SAISD and returned to the Boys Ranch. He so enjoyed hearing from former students and ranch boys. They always told him that they would never forget him. 

On March 18, 1978, J.D. married the love of his life, Kathy Box. In 1982, their daughter, Courtney, was born. J.D.’s life changed forever on that day. He was an amazing dad. He never missed a school program or an athletic event. She was his pride and joy. He was the perfect “girl dad.” His love for her was unconditional. He never missed a chance to brag on her. 

Then came the grandchildren, Sutton and Hadley. Once again, J.D.’s pride shone through. He never missed their games or sporting events. He claimed “bragging” rights again. 

They were lights of his life. 

Courtney’s husband, Travis, was the son J.D. never had. They hunted together, and, to their delight, J.D. taught him to fly fish in Colorado. They were quite the pair. They had “fish stories” for every trip they made. 

J.D. is survived by his wife, Kathy, his daughter, Courtney and husband Travis Young, his grandchildren, Sutton and Hadley Young, his sister Judy Lambert and husband John, his nephews, Jeremy, Joshua and Jonathan, brother-in-law Kyle Box and Pam, and niece and nephew Lindsay Beddow (Josh) and Patrick Box. We cannot forget Prada, his 3-pound Yorkie whom he adored. 

“Nothing is so strong as gentleness, and nothing is as gentle as strength.” 

Honorary pallbearers: Kyle Box, Phil George, Sam Lewis, Ronnie Smetana, Greg Benson and Travis Young. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to West Texas Boys Ranch or Alzheimer’s Foundation.  

Thank you to Concho Valley Health & Rehab in Eden, Texas, San Angelo Nursing & Rehab, and Solaris Hospice for their continued care and compassion. 

Family and friends may share condolences and sign the online register book at 
www.harper-funeralhome.com.

Visitation

Wednesday, July 27, 2022

6:00PM - 8:00PM

Harper Funeral Home 
2606 Southland Boulevard 
San Angelo, TX 76904

Memorial Service

Thursday, July 28, 2022

10:00AM

First Christian Church Disiples of Christ 
29 N Oaks St. 
San Angelo, TX 76903