Edward L. “Ed” “Tunk” Koettel of Newport departed this life on Monday, April 27, 2020, at the age of 90. He was born July 21, 1929, in Newport, the son of Clarence and Alice Compton Koettel Cash.
Koettel was a United States Army Veteran, serving stateside during the Korean War. He retired from the ASDS office of the USDA in 1985, after 30 years of service. He was an avid St. Louis Cardinal fan, who enjoyed going out to eat catfish, especially at Dondies in Des Arc.
Koettel was a devoted member of the Quail Valley Church of Christ at Batesville, and of Northside Church of Christ during his time living in Newport. He was a devoted Christian who taught Bible classes, led singing, and helped during the building of the Northside Church.
He kept God first in his life, and his earthly priority was his family. He was a dedicated husband and father, who led his family with a kind, humble spirit.
Koettel was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Jean (Cathey) Koettel on November 24, 2001; one son, William Scott Koettel on December 27, 2000; one sister, Dorothy Pridmore; and his parents.
He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Leslie and Steve Thomas of Batesville; two nieces, Joyce Ann Baker of Jonesboro and Connie Turner of Newport; and a lifetime of friends.
Graveside services are 2:00 p.m. Friday at Remmel-McCall Cemetery with Burl Young officiating.
Those honored to serve as pallbearers are Philip Helms, Steven Wilson, Charlie Grant, Jimbo Thomas, and Jason Henley.
The family would like to thank the staff of the Water’s for their wonderful care. Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN, 38105 or Arkansas Children’s Hospital, 1 Children’s Way, Little Rock, AR 72202.
Due to COVID-19, we ask that you please abide by social distancing mandates.
