Guy Kochel

Guy W. Kochel, 78 of Jonesboro, died Tuesday, August 6, 2019 at the Flo and Phil Jones Hospice House in Jonesboro.

Guy was born May 16, 1941 in Reydell, Arkansas to Guy and Pauline Kochel.  He attended school in DeWitt and Pine Bluff, Arkansas and was a graduate of UCA in Conway with a Masters from Henderson State University.  He coached in Stuttgart and Pine Bluff and in 1973 became the track coach at Arkansas State University where he coached for 18 years. He did what he loved, working with athletes not only as a coach but as a mentor and to some even a father figure.  During his tenure at ASU Guy was privileged to coach 6 Olympians, one world record holder, 2 American record holders and 3 Olympic Medal winners.  Throughout his career, Guy coached 34 All-Americans. He worked with the Olympic Development Committee as pole vault and high jump chairman and was selected to coach in 5 international track meets including the first Goodwill Games in Moscow, Russia.

Coach Kochel was honored to have been inducted into several Halls of Fame including the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame, Arkansas Track and Field Hall of Fame, ASU Athletic Hall of Honor, Arkansas High School Coaches Hall of Fame, UCA Athletic Hall of Fame and the National Pole Vault Hall of Fame.

After a successful coaching career Guy became an investment advisor until his retirement.

In 2004, Guy became pastor of Huntington Church in Jonesboro where he served for 14 years.  He lived an exciting life before this time but his years at Huntington were the best.  He loved God, loved the people in the church, and they loved him.  He was a great teacher of the bible and encourager to many who looked to him for spiritual guidance as well as friendship.  Guy was a man of integrity and a very kind and compassionate man who poured out his life serving God and ministering to people.

Guy is survived by his wife of 55 years, Sue Flake Kochel, 2 daughters and sons in law, Kerri and Greg Garrison of Paragould and Kristy and Allen Kirby of
Albertville, Alabama and a son and daughter in law, Charles and Brooke Kochel of Cave Springs, Arkansas.  He also had 6 grandchildren who he loved very much, Rachel Garrison, Lauren Garrison, Macy Kirby, Kristopher Kirby, Pilar Kochel and Rumi Kochel.

Visitation will be Thursday, August 8, 2019 from 5-7 PM at Emerson Memorial Chapel and a celebration of his life will be held Friday, August 9, 2019 at 2:00 PM at Emerson Memorial Chapel.  Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorials be sent to Huntington Church, PO Box 808, Jonesboro, Arkansas  72403.

To register online, go to www.emersonfuneralhome.com