Captain Seth R. Koval

Captain Seth R. Koval, 38, of Stoutsville, Ohio, lost his life in service to his country on March 12, 2026, while deployed overseas in support of Operation Epic Fury.

Born March 7, 1988, in Indianapolis, Indiana, Seth was the son of Robert and Deborah Koval and the second oldest of six children. Raised in a faith‑centered home, Seth was encouraged from an early age to explore, create, and pursue his God‑given interests. Curious by nature, he was homeschooled by his mother in an environment that nurtured both his imagination and his dream of becoming a pilot, including service with the Civil Air Patrol. His childhood was marked by outdoor adventures, time with his siblings, endless tinkering, and the steady development of a strong work ethic that would serve him throughout his life. Gentle, empathetic, and kind‑hearted, Seth had a rare ability to make others feel seen, safe, and deeply loved.

Seth shared a lifelong friendship with his wife, Heather—his first and only love. Rooted in faith and friendship, their relationship began on a childhood church mission trip and grew into twenty beautiful years together. Seth and Heather’s journey to parenthood was truly orchestrated by God when they welcomed their son in 2023. Seth was a natural father—calm, gentle, and inspiring—and his greatest joy was raising his son alongside Heather. To his family, Seth was their steady anchor, protector, and safe place.

Seth enlisted in the Indiana Air National Guard in 2006 and soon discovered a calling beyond himself. While serving, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Professional Flight Technology from Purdue University in 2011. He later transferred to the Ohio Air National Guard’s 121st Air Refueling Wing, was commissioned, and earned his pilot wings in 2020—fulfilling a lifelong dream. Over a 20‑year career, Seth rose to the rank of Captain, became an instructor pilot, and deployed five times worldwide, serving with humility, excellence, and care for those beside him.

Grounded in unwavering faith and guided by a deep sense of what mattered most, Seth lived and served with calm grace and quiet courage. He will be missed every moment of every day, yet his family rests in gratitude for the immeasurable impact of his life and the comfort of knowing he is now with his Heavenly Father.

Seth was joined in death by his brothers and sisters in uniform of Zeus 95, Captain Curtis Angst, Master Sgt. Tyler Simmons, Major Alex Klinner, Captain Ariana Savino, and Technical Sgt. Ashley B. Pruitt. He was preceded in death by sister, Annie Koval; paternal grandmother, Carol Koval; maternal grandmother, Grace Kishaba; maternal grandfather, Fred Kishaba.

Survived in love by his wife, Heather and their son; parents, Bob and Deb Koval; siblings, Hayley Koval, Caleb (Arianna) Koval, Jane (Josh) Gordon, Jill (Nick) SanGiacomo, Samantha (John) Hu; brother-in-law, Charlie Wilson; mother-in-law, Paula Wilson; father-in-law, Chip Wilson; his paternal grandfather, Daniel Koval; countless loving extended family members, treasured friends, and lastly, his vast military family – deeply connected by their shared service.

The family has been profoundly moved by the public’s loving words, touching prayers, selfless generosity, and endless support for Seth and their entire family. These gestures have provided more comfort for the family than can be expressed.

In lieu of flowers, if you feel moved to contribute, you can donate to the family through a GoFundMe that has been set-up to support them: https://www.gofundme.com/f/honoring-capt-seth-kovals-legacy-and-family or please consider donating to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. Help the Kovals continue to keep Seth’s legacy alive by sharing your memories on this page in the guest book for the family to read.

A private visitation and memorial service with military honors will be held in the near future. However, please respect the family’s wish for privacy to grieve with their loved ones, personal friends, and those who directly served with and knew Seth. As such, the details, time, and location will not be publicly shared.