Donald "Doc" Schoech, Dds

Donald R. "Doc" Schoech, D.D.S., 81, longtime Columbus dentist, passed away at 11:27 a.m., Tuesday, April 25, 2017 at his home in Columbus.

He was born on July 11, 1935, in Hays, Kansas to Laurence A. and Seraphine (Schumacher) Schoech.  He grew up in Ellis and graduated from High School there.  He then entered the Pre-Dentistry program at the University of Kansas.  He completed his education at the University of Kansas City Dental School in 1960.  Following graduation, he practiced in Denver for a short time before moving to Columbus, Kansas where he established his private practice until retiring in 2011.  During his practice, he acted as an employer and advisor through the Distributive Education Program with Columbus Unified High School.  Many of the students that participated in the program continued to become health care providers and hygienists.

Dr. Schoech was a member of the American Dental Association, United States Naval Reserves, and had served as President of the Columbus Chamber of Commerce.   In earlier years, he was active in the Babe Ruth Baseball Association and served as a coach for several years.  He was also a member of Mother of God Catholic Church in Oswego where he served as a Eucharistic Minister.

He enjoyed fishing, gardening, traveling, and being outdoors. He was a sports fan especially of the Kansas Jayhawks.

On December 27, 1957, he and Elizabeth A. "Betty" Corley were married in Tulsa, Oklahoma.  They celebrated their 59 ^th anniversary this past December.  She survives of the home.

Survivors:

Wife – Betty Schoech                                                             of the home

Two Sons – David Schoech and his wife Kathy                    of Columbus, KS

Matthew Schoech                                           Oklahoma City, OK

Two Daughters – Pam Overman and her husband Rocky      Columbus, KS

Linda Wary                                                Pittsburg, KS

Twelve grandchildren: Libby McFarland, Samantha Overman, Maddy Foster, Andrew Schoech, Kasey Schoech, Alex Wary, Kate Bole, Ryleigh Schoech, A.J. WaryKeaton Schoech, Joseph Schoech, Abby Schoech

Four great-grandchildren: Piper Overman, Maxwell McFarland, Jackson McFarland, and Kennedy Cunningham

Also surviving is long time employee, who held a special place in his heart, Dental Assistant, Lisa Sandberg.

He was preceded in death by two brothers, David and Thomas Schoech.

Memorial Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, May 1, 2017 at Mother of God Catholic Church in Oswego.  The rosary will be prayed at 6:00 p.m., Sunday at the church.  The family will receive friends at 6:30 p.m., Sunday at the church, following the rosary.

Memorial donations are suggested to Mother of God Catholic Church and the Columbus Community Foundation.  These may be left at or mailed to the Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 374, Parsons, Kansas 67357.

Online condolences may be left at www.forbeshoffman.com