Roy Christy Koen

Roy Christy Koen, age 70, of DeWitt, Ark., went to be with his Lord and savior on Thursday, March 2, 2017. He passed away peacefully with dignity in the presence of loved ones after a hard fought battle with cancer. Chris was born October 5, 1946 to Bill and Louise (Siems) Koen of DeWitt. He was a graduate of DeWitt High School (class of '64) and served honorably in the U.S. Navy. While serving his country, he was married to his wife of 48 years, Zada (George)Koen of St. Charles, Ark. He was a row crop farmer early in life and then served as a Farm Bureau agent for 28 years. He retired from Farm Bureau in July of 2016. He was serving as active president of the St. Luke Lutheran Church of DeWitt, served as president of DeWitt Rotary and received the Paul Harris Fellow award, and he served as a director on the Arkansas County Fair Association. He was president of one of his favorite places in the world, Owl City Hunting Club. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, spending time with grandkids, and cooking. He often cooked for several benefit dinners using the seasoning that he created, Owl City Spice. Chris is survived by his wife, Zada, his sons, Brad (Kelli) Koen and Clint (Jules) Koen, six grandchildren, Katie, Taylor, Bill, Grayson, Cale, and Siems. He is also survived by a sister, Judy Long, and a brother, Billy Koen. He was preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Louise Koen. Chris wanted to donate his body to the UAMS Anatomical Gift program in hopes that he could help find a cure for cancer. Memorial services will be 2 p.m. Saturday, March 4 at St. Luke Lutheran Church, 903 E. 2nd St., DeWitt, Ark. 72042. There will be a reception immediately following the service at First United Methodist Church, 608 S. Grandview Dr., DeWitt, Ark. 72042, for family and friends. Memorials may be made to St. Luke Lutheran Church or DeWitt City Hospital, P.O. Box 32, DeWitt, Ark. 72042. www.essexfuneralhome.com.