John Koehler, 62, passed away Wednesday, April 18th. Memorial services will be held at a later date. Cremation services by Lake Shore Funeral Home. Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online Guest Book at www.LakeShoreFuneralHome.com.
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Johnny … collected arrowheads, was a lumberjack in Alaska one summer in high school, wanted to play football in the UT-TAMU game, dreamer, literary, loved his family. RIP John.
Johnny Koehler was one of the best friends a skinny kid on the football team could have in 1967. I will long remember our Army days at Lake Belton after football season. A whole day of playing hooky from school just to run around in the woods with toy guns. You will be missed Johnny. Thanks for all the linebacker tackling lessons.
I am sorry my friend that I was not there to walk up and down Old Waco Road and talk.
I remember the hours we spent doing just that. Or
throwing the football – over the left shoulder then over the right so you could just get it perfect. I will miss you.
Johnny and I became friends the first day we walked into Tyler Elementary. From Cub Scouts at his house to playing football for Coach Swaim, and all through BJHS and BHS, we had some really fun times and always laughed about them when we chanced to run into each other in later years. His enthusiastic spirit and lively conversations will be missed.
Another Belton Tiger enters the pearly gates..John always ready to give a helping hand will be missed by many………Blessings my friend RIP.
Johnny was a true lifelong friend to us and we will miss him for the rest of our time. A man of many talents, he continually strived to better himself and was always concerned for the wellfare of our family.
Rest in peace, good friend.
I only learned of his journey to his Ranch in the sky this morning. Last spoke with him Easter Day over an hour, a treasure now in my mind.
I met John at the University of Colorado in in 1978, we were housemates for period of time. He was really my dearest male friend, and a person I admired and respected more than anyone in my life! A "brother" I never had. He would enrich the life of anyone would was privileged enough to know him.
On a raft trip on the Rio Grande in the Big Bend country in 1983 he literally saved our lives by his strength and alertness by steering our raft away from rapids at the last moment.
John epitomized the definition of a true gentleman, philosopher, and a scholar, a big diamond in rough a lone brave sailor on the seas of life. A man of the highest integrity, true grit, and possessed a "Cowboy Texan" moral code and a treasure chest of wisdom of literature and valued life experiences.
Hey Big John… we will still do that journey down the Alberta Cowboy Trail when I "catch you down the road" as you would say… my kindred friend.. forever. It was a gift from "God" to know you.
I dedicate the song " Four Strong Winds" by Ian Tyson to you my friend in your memory. This was one of his favorite songs. I suggest to all here to play it, and think of him.. it matches his free spirit and depth of character.
( Like "Gus" in Lonesome Dove.)
Always your amigo my compadre
Signed, Your best Canadian friend.
Also this poem:
Another Old Cowboy Has Died
By Ben McKenzie
Sit down on that old saddle,
Put all your doing aside,
I only rode out here to tell ya
So sorry to hear about John. Have fond memories about the days of our youth.
John was a philosopher and a scholar unlike any other. He could converse, and always had a strong opinion, on just about any topic. Although fiercely independent, he put his own life on hold to provide the care and stability his family needed. Rest in peace, my friend.
Rest in peace old friend. Thinking about the days at Tyler, BJH and BHS right now and chuckling at the fun we had. Also praying for your loved ones.
One of my earliest friends when I came to Belton in 1957, and remained a friend throughout although we weren’t always in touch. Rest in Peace Johnny.
I met John 30 years ago, and from the first moment on to forever, I have never known anyone else like him. My favorite recollection was having breakfast with him in one of his favorite coffee shops on the ‘hill’ in Boulder, CO, and talking for hours and hours. He was a good listener, waxed eloquent as a philosopher, and would have remained a close friend had our lives remained in the same spheres. Only warm thoughts his way.
I am so sorry to hear of your passing, Johnny. I thought of you as a unique individual and respected you and at varying times had huge crushes on you in high school. (smile)
John was a good friend and one of the most interesting people that I have known. He was focused, driven and successful in most everything he tried. Even with all his activities he was a true friend who would drop whatever he was doing to help anyone in need. He will be missed.
John was as good a friend to me as someone could have since the 7th grade. I am most fortunate to have shared so many times with him over the years. I will miss him greatly.
Tom Lee
Met John back in 1967 at two-a-days prior to the football season. Always admired his determination and work ethic. As with many of my BHS friends, he remained a positive memory of my high school days. My condolences to his family. God bless you.