‘Giant’ of philanthropy in Cobb, Howard Koepka remembered

Our South Cobb community was saddened to learn that Pastor Howard Koepka, a giant when it came to charitable undertakings in our Cobb community, had died after losing his battle with Covid-19. A celebration of life service for Koepka was held Friday at Eastside Baptist Church where many family members and friends came together to say goodbye to Howard.

“Howard cared more about South Cobb’s well being than some of our pseudo representatives, who have taken our needs and well being for granted. We have lost a soldier. A hero in our midst,” said Michael Murphy, a fellow community leader and former Special Assistant to Cobb Chairman Mike Boyce, who worked closely with Keopka. 

Known for his diligent work with Noonday Association of Churches, Koepka was also well-known, honored, and recognized for his work with the Cobb Community Foundation, various churches, other social organizations, and the Atlanta Braves. Koepka worked with these groups to distribute food to struggling people and families in our community who were in need. His help in leading the organization’s COVID-19 relief efforts and food distribution, led to Koepka being honored in 2020 as the Cobb Community Foundation’s “Visionary Philanthropist” in 2020 and later recognized that year as a “Hometown Hero” by the Atlanta Braves.

The Noonday Association of Churches issued a statement saying, “It is with a heavy heart that we share our very own Howard Koepka has been called home to the Lord.” 

“Howard was a good and faithful servant, he never met a stranger, and he served others with his life. His collaboration with business, community, faith, and other nonprofit leaders helped make possible the distribution of multiple tons of food to those who desperately needed it during the worst of the pandemic. His work with the community, with missions, with disaster relief, with racial reconciliation, and so much more will leave a lasting legacy. Howard will be greatly missed. Please join us in praying for his wife Lori and his family.”

The Howard Koepka Love Thy Neighbor fund has been established by the Cobb Community Bank for those wanting to honor Koepka’s memory with a contribution. Per the Cobb Community Foundation, “All contributions to this fund will be distributed to charitable organizations selected by Howard’s family that honor his legacy through service to others.”

For more information, please visit: https://bit.ly/KoepkaLoveFund.

Said Murphy, “Howard’s favorite station on Sirius radio was #49, Soultown.” Howard would proudly proclaim to him, “I grew up on soul music.” 

Rest in peace Howard.