Donald Gene Koerber

Donald Gene Koerber, 71, of Big Spring, died Thursday in an Odessa hospital. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM Tuesday, December 17, 2013 at the Nalley-Pickle & Welch Rosewood Chapel with Pastor Sam Segundo, officiating . Interment will follow at Trinity Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM Monday, December 16, 2013 at the funeral home . He was born April 15, 1942 in Great Bend, Kansas. Survivors include three daughters, Debbie Storie of McCamey, Shelley Burrow and husband, Mike of Big Spring and Brenda Tubb and husband, Brian of Big Spring; two sons, Don Koerber and Jim Koerber both of Big Spring; one son-in-law, Mike Roever of McCamey; six grandchildren, Becky Roever and Cody Sparks and Jacob Roever and wife, LaSha all of Odessa, Lane Storie and Jonathan Storie both of McCamey, and Don Koerber III and Brelyn Tubb both of Big Spring; one great-grandchild, Cooper Sparks of Odessa. He was also preceded in death by his parents; a granddaughter, Amy Koerber; and a son-in-law, John Storie. In 1953 Phoenix, Arizona a tough and determined 11 year old boy would ride his bike along the side of a school bus screaming “Aloma…I love you” to a beautiful blonde hair blue eyed girl. In return, she would yell back to him “get away I don’t like you”. This begins a true love story. After much commitment to the one he loved, June 10, 1960 at 18 years old, Donald won her heart and married his beautiful bride, Aloma. Donald was a boxer as a teen and worked construction all of his adult life. Right by his side was his best friend and wife supporting, working and raising five children with him. He was a hard worker and brilliant man that could fix anything. He was a legal advisor, financial consultant, teacher, and doctor to all of his family. In 1988 Donald and Aloma came to Texas to retire and be close to their children and grandchildren. Some of the greatest memories were spent on camping trips, reunions at Lake Buchanan and Lake Amistad, hunting and fishing at the Storie Ranch, and just family being together. Donald loved and taught his children and son-in-laws how to work hard, build houses, fix things and have a good time. He loved his grandchildren very much. In 2003, Aloma was diagnosed with cancer and for five years Donald never left her side. He gave her all the love, support, passion and strength to fight her battle. He cooked for her, brushed her hair, did her makeup and loved her unconditionally through it all. They re-lived their childhood youth by sharing milk shakes, dinner dates, watching movies and holding hands everywhere they went. It was a unique and true love. In 2008, Aloma, lost her battle with cancer. Over the next five years Donald never missed a single day going to the cemetery where his bride was laid to rest. He cleaned her marker, mowed her area, and decorated like no other. Donald also became the strength to many of the other people visiting deceased family members as well. He would sit in lawn chairs and give a widow woman hope. Or hug a young girl and comfort her because she lost her dad. Or sit with a man that lost his daughter and passionately exchange memories. Their “Cemetery Club” was a comfort for him, and the others in their healing process. Though he loved his children and grandchildren, there was nothing more than Donald wanted than to be with the love of his life. On December 12, 2013 in the hospital where Donald laid unconscious, his children and grandchildren asked, “Dad we love you. Are you ready to go be with mom?” With a smile from ear to ear, and a simple nod yes, he took his last breath. At that moment he begin dancing once again with the love of his life. A true love story! We love you dad and mom. The family suggests memorials to the American Cancer Society, %Carolyn Brooks, P. O. Box 2121, Big Spring, Texas 79721-2121 or to the American Lung Association, 8150 Brookriver Dr., Suite S-102, Dallas, Texas 75247. Arrangements under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Big Spring. Online condolences may be made at: www.npwelch.com,