David Eugene Kaucher

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of David E. Kaucher, a dedicated son and brother, loyal husband, and devoted Father, Grandfather, and Great-Grandfather. He journeyed to his heavenly home on July 16, 2025, with his loving wife of 64 years by his side, who was reading scripture, singing familiar hymns, praying, and holding his hand.

David was born on July 24, 1933, to Ruby and Theodore Kaucher, and was the eldest of seven children. In his youth, he helped on the family farm, where they lived a self-sustaining lifestyle. He eventually built a house on that same property, where he raised a family, and lived for the last 50 years of his life.

He was baptized, confirmed and was the oldest member at First Lutheran Church, in Little Rock; the church where his grandparents were members and his grandchildren are fifth generation members. There he met the love of his life; a beautiful blonde girl with a bright personality and charming dimples named Joline Coon. They were smitten with each other from their very first date. They married in the sanctuary of First Lutheran Church on June 9, 1961, and have been dedicated, committed members ever since. David held many leadership roles in the church, including President, Vice-President, Treasurer and Elder. He also served as President of the Lutheran Layman’s League, Mid-south District. He, alongside Joline, planned, arranged, and led many conventions for the organization.

David was drafted into the Army during the Korean War in 1953. Afterward he attended the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville. He graduated in 1959, with a degree in Transportation, and began working as the Traffic Manager at Thibault Milling Co. His skill, knowledge, and willingness to devote long hours and weekends to the company made him an outstanding and trusted employee. He led the company as President for nearly 20 years, retiring in 1995.

In 1965 he became a charter member of what became known as the Central Little Rock Kiwanis Club and was very active in their charitable endeavors. He was very proud of his perfect attendance record at their weekly meetings for over 50 years, and was honored with the distinguished Life Member Award in 2016.

David was a highly intelligent, yet practical man. He could solve complicated mathematical problems in his head, and was knowledgeable about a vast range of topics. His family counted on him to be able to repair or build just about anything. He was also an extremely generous man, especially when it came to giving his time to help other people. David loved camping, fishing, and boating. His family has many fond memories of camping and fishing on our beautiful Arkansas lakes with him. They also have vivid memories of piling into the family station wagon and striking out on long summer road trips.

David’s greatest joy, however, was spending time with his family. He is survived by his loving, caring wife of 64 years, Joline, and his adoring children; Lisa (Michael) Hickman, Karen (Robert) Ogle, and Mark (Rhonda) Kaucher. He delighted in his grandchildren; Amanda Hickman, A.J. (Chelsea) Hickman, Ashley Hickman, Harrison Ogle, Emily Kaucher, and Erin Grace Kaucher. And he cherished his great-grandchildren, Clayton and Adeline Hickman. He is also survived by his six siblings; Dorothy Fulton, Margaret Waters, Theodore Kaucher, Frances Murphy, Jeanette Bunting, and John (Betty) Kaucher, as well as 28 nieces and nephews plus their spouses and children.

David was known and admired by everyone for his wisdom, his guidance, his jovial personality, and his genuine, infectious laugh. He was a role model for many of the young people in his large family, as well as the youth he encountered at church and in his charitable work. He was always easily recognized because he never left the house without one of his well-worn hats. We are brokenhearted by his passing, and will miss him terribly. But, we are thankful that he is now pain free in the arms of our Lord, and we know we will see him again in Heaven someday.

A memorial service in celebration of the life of David E. Kaucher will be held at First Lutheran Church, 314 E 8th Street, Little Rock, AR, 72202, at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 24th, which would have been his 92nd birthday. A visitation will be held in the sanctuary prior to the service, beginning at 10:00. The committal will be at the Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery in North Little Rock at 1:00 p.m.

If you would like to make a donation in David’s memory, please consider First Lutheran Church.