(William) Gary Kotchka, 85, of Jonesboro, Louisiana passed away peacefully in his home on Friday, July 21, 2023.  Gary was born on May 11, 1938 in Steubenville, Ohio to Norman and Alyce Kotchka.  He grew up in Monaca, a small town in Western Pennsylvania along the Ohio River. After high school, Gary joined the Air Force and served several years. His service was cut short when a pre-existing heart condition was discovered during a physical. Through high school and his Air Force service, Gary distinguished himself on the baseball field and his passion for the sport led him to later become a Little League coach in Jonesboro.  Gary was also an avid cyclist and fisherman and loved being in the woods and finding new fishing holes.  He certainly fit in well in the "Sportsmen's Paradise" of his adopted state.

Upon arriving in Jonesboro, Gary started working for the paper mill in Hodge, LA and retired from the mill in 2001, after 38 years.  In 1964, Gary married Jonesboro native, Patricia Hanna, and together they adopted Brian in 1974.  Brian brought joy to their lives for 23 years until his untimely passing from cancer in 1997.  Gary loved to travel and learn about new places and thought nothing of hopping in the car for a drive up to Maine to visit with family.  He took Brian on a multi-state trip to visit Washington DC, West Point and the Naval Academy that created memories for a lifetime.

Gary is survived by his brother, Darrell Kotchka of Zelienople, PA; sister-in-law, Nancy Kotchka of Phoenix, Arizona; numerous nieces and nephews; dearest friend, Sarah Lolley; loyal canine friend, Scout; and two daughters from a previous marriage, Pamela Umthun and Angela Sams, both of Iowa.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Patricia Hanna Kotchka; his parents, Norman and Alyce Kotchka; infant son, Jon Patrick; infant daughter, Anne Marie; son, Brian Kotchka; brother David Kotchka; and sister, Rita Adania.

Friends and are invited to visit with the family on Saturday, August 12, 2023 at the Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home Chapel in Jonesboro from 3:00 PM until 4:00 PM.  The memorial service will begin at 4:00 PM with Bro. Norris Curry officiating.  Donations in memory of Gary Kotchka can be made to the Jackson Parish Recreation District, P.O. Box 315, Jonesboro, LA 71251. Burial will follow in the Jonesboro Cemetery.