Stephen D. Koban

Stephen D. Koban, age 92, of Delaware, OH and Hot Springs, AR, peacefully passed away on Monday, July 16, 2012. Stephen was born on December 6, 1919 in Aliquippa, PA. He was the son of the late Charles (Wasyl) and Mary (Skimba) Koban. He is preceded in death by Janette, his beloved wife of 32 years who died September 23, 2005. In addition, he was preceded in death by a sister, Anna and three brothers, Bill (Washko), John and Thomas. Stephen leaves behind a loving family including his nephew Mark (Kelly) Koban of Delaware, OH with whom he resided and their children Samantha and Joseph, whom he adored; nieces Judy (Frank) Telesz, Diana (David) Beley and a sister Mildred, all of PA; and loving neighbors Bill and Sheryl Ginsberg and their family of Hot Springs, AR. He is further survived by cousins, nieces and nephews in PA, OK, FL and Canada. Stephen graduated from Aliquippa High School in 1938 and was a proud member of the National Honor Society. In 1940, Stephen joined the United States Army Air Corps and was a member of the US 1st Air Corps Unit supporting the east coast of the United States. From 1942-1945 Stephen was a member of the 9th Air Force Unit stationed in Newfoundland, subsequently serving as a Master Sergeant in the 371st and 373rd Fighter Groups. He participated in the invasion of Normandy, where he was awarded The Bronze Star Medal for Valor. Stephen attended George Washington University in St. Louis and began on the path to career success at General Motors and eventually retiring after 35 years as a Chemist for Monsanto. After retirement, Stephen and Janette moved to Little Rock, AR to enjoy their twilight years on their ranch. Stephen was a continuous learner who mastered every subject he tackled-he had a special interest in gardening and hydrogen propulsion. He enjoyed living in Ohio and visiting the Delaware County Senior Center, where he made many new friends and cherished memories. Family will receive friends from 11:00am.-1:00pm. SATURDAY, JULY 21, 2012 at the RUTHERFORD FUNERAL HOME AT POWELL, 450 West Olentangy St., Powell, OH 43065 (614)-792-1471 where Funeral Liturgy will be offered at 1:00pm. with The Reverend Kevin L. Greenwood from Holy Cross Orthodox Mission, officiating. (The funeral home is located on W. Olentangy St./Powell Rd./SR 750 ¼ mile east of Sawmill Parkway.) Burial will be observed at Memorial Gardens Cemetery, Hot Springs, Arkansas on Saturday, July 28, 2012. The family would like to express their sincere thanks and gratitude to the HomeReach Hospice team for the excellent care they provided to Uncle Steve. If they choose, friends may make memorial contributions in Stephen’s name to the Senior Citizens Inc. of Delaware County, 800 Cheshire Rd., Suite B, Delaware, OH 43015. Please visit www.rutherfordfuneralhomes.com to send a condolence to the family. Rest Eternal.