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D.-Koehler

In Loving Memory

Koehler, Donald Ray Jr.

Donald Ray Koehler, Jr., 73, of High Ridge, Missouri, passed away on May 6, 2022, at his home surrounded by family.  He was preceded in death by his parents Donald R. Koehler, Sr. and Sally (Whitney) Koehler of Arnold, and by his brother-in-law Alan J. Nothum of Troy, Missouri.  He graduated from the St. Louis Police Academy in 1970 and immediately served two years with the St. Louis County Police before going to work for the Arnold Police Department in 1972.  At that time, Arnold had no police cars nor radios.  A flag was sent up a pole to notify officers of a call to come into the station.  Donald worked his way through the Arnold Police Department from patrolman to Sergeant to Detective Lieutenant in charge of the Bureau of Investigation and as a member of the Major Case Squad of the Greater St. Louis Area, to Captain to Interim Chief of Police until his retirement in 1999.  One of the highlights of his career was during the National Flood Summit of 1993, held in Arnold, Missouri.   He  was charged with the Arnold detail to assist with the security of President Bill Clinton, Vice-President Al Gore, 10 Cabinet secretaries and dozens of other federal and state officials from the region.  Donald was a dedicated, loyal and respected member of the department, and he loved serving the people and his community.

Donald was a member of the U. S. Coast Guard and later earned a Bachelor’s degree from Tarkio College.  Donald was a passionate family man and loved spending time with his kids and grandkids.  He enjoyed fishing, boating, hunting, golfing, camping, motorcycling and traveling.  After his retirement Donald and his wife toured the country and Canada several times on their Harley.

In addition to his wife of 45 years, Elaine (Nothum) Koehler originally from Troy, Missouri, he is survived by his loving children and grandchildren:  Donald R. Koehler, III and his son Justin Mathenia; Kimberly (Koehler) Lucas and her children Kayler, Emily and Olivia; Chad Koehler and his wife Terisa (Williams) Koehler and their children Ethan and Isabelle; his brother Gene E. Becker; his brother-in-law Gordon H. Nothum and his wife Judy; brother-in-law John K. Nothum and his wife Stephanie; and many, many relatives and friends.

A memorial celebration will be held on May 21, 2022, from 2:00 to 4:00 at Kutis Funeral Home on 5255 Lemay Ferry Road in South County followed by services.  Internment will be on May 23, and 1:30 at the Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, friends who wish can make memorial contributions to the Gleason Foundation or the ALS Association St. Louis Regional Chapter.

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2 thoughts on “Koehler, Donald Ray Jr.”

  1. My daughter asked me to look you up Elaine I’m Rosalyn Kerwin Aunt Mary’s niece of course I knew your mother Alice she was my cousin great that you were married 45 years

    Reply
  2. My daughter asked me to look you up Elaine I’m Rosalyn Kerwin Aunt Mary’s niece of course I knew your mother Alice she was my cousin great that you were married 45 years

    Reply

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