Larry Duane Couch was born on August 28, 1952 in Sallisaw, OK to JC & Cloey Couch. He passed from this life directly into the arms of his Lord & Savior, Jesus Christ, on January 2, 2019, attaining the age of 66 years, 4 months.He began his love of farming and cows as soon as he could walk. He grew up on the farm he helped run until his death. Stories from his childhood are legendary. He was seldom caught while doing most of it, but as he put it, he never let an opportunity pass to have a laugh. He loved his parents and his sister dearly, though he did routinely hold her down and lick her nose just for fun.He met Carolyn Bennett while she was broke down on the side of the road in a strawberry hauling truck, Larry fixed the truck. Her dad didn’t like many folks, but he liked Larry instantly and wondered aloud why she couldn’t meet a nice fella like that. They married in June of 1974. They didn’t have much but what little money they did have, he used to buy a new straw hat. After all, an Ag teacher had to have a nice hat. They lived in Sasakwa, Oklahoma where they met lifelong friends. They also had their first daughter, Elizabeth, in Sasakwa. But Larry wanted to be back home on Blackgum, so as soon as a job was available close by, they moved back home. Larry and Carolyn bought the land their home still stands on today, building most of it with their own two hands. Their second daughter, Audra, was born a few years later.Larry & Carolyn were extremely active with the girls. They rode trail rides, did parades on horseback, rode 4-wheelers in Colorado, traveled around the U.S. and attended every school event either of them were involved with. And they joined every club at Vian school.Larry was always involved in his church. He felt a tie to the church because many generations of his family built and nourished the church. He attended often when it was only he & the pastor. He had a hand in building much of the church as it is today. He served as deacon, Sunday school teacher, lead youth groups and lead song service. He was passionate about Jesus. He read his Bible daily and encouraged all his children and grandchildren to love the Lord and follow His teachings.Larry was very close to his daughters. He dreaded and cried when they left for college. He didn’t want them growing up. When he got ready to walk his oldest daughter down the aisle, he said, “there’s still time, I’ve got $100 in my pocket you can still back out”. But he soon grew to love his son in law, Brian, and then his second son in law, Clint, as well. He treated them like his own sons.He became a grandpa and we all quickly realized what he was best at. He spent every minute he could with his grand kids: Nate, Jake, Jesse, Cali & Silas. When papaw was around, everyone else took second place in the family.Larry was a friend to everyone he met. We witnessed his generosity and true friendship more times than any of us can remember. Larry had a gentle & kind spirit that broken people were drawn to. He was a champion of the underdog.Larry was more than a few paragraphs could ever sum up. He has left a hole in the hearts of all who knew him.He is survived by his wife, Carolyn, of the home; two daughters & sons in law, Elizabeth and Brian Harris of Mounds, OK, and Audra and Clint Brown of Bixby, OK; grandchildren, Nate, Jake, Jesse, Cali, and Silas; his parents, J.C. and Cloey Couch of Blackgum, OK; along with a host of other relatives, friends and neighbors. He was preceded in death by his sister, Glenda Sue Couch.Funeral services for Larry Couch will be held at 1:00 pm, Saturday, Jan 5, 2019, in the Blackgum Harvest Time Church, Vian, OK, with interment following in the Box Cemetery, Vian. Brother Chris Armer will officiate. Visitation for family and friends will be held on Friday evening, Jan 4, 2019, from 5-7pm in the Blackgum Harvest Time Church, Vian.Services are under the direction of Forever Memories Funeral Services, 918-775-2222
Larry was a very sweet and kind person. I am so sorry for your loss
Carol and family,We are so sorry to hear of your love one passing but you have our love and prayers toward you and your family now and days to come.May God bless and comfort during this great loss and give you grace and strenght to carry on.
Praying for peace Carolyn. I visited with Larry on a weekly basis when I was working for CCF and I always enjoyed him. He was extremely helpful and worked with me to insure that the kids got the best services we could provide. I always thought he was a good man.
He was a classmate, good friend, and all around good person. He went home with me from school for lunch many times. I have many memories and I cherish every one. We stayed in touch after high school for which I’m thankful. Heaven has collected another angel.
I graduated with Larry. He was always pulling pranks on me. He was a very smart guy. I always told him wish I was as smart as you and his reply " Don’t you". He has his wings now. I will see him again either before the trumpet sounds or after. My condolences to the family. God bless
So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Keep the Faith.
So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Keep the Faith.
You all are in my thoughts and prayers. To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. May God give you comfort and peace.
We are truly blessed to have known Mr. Couch if it wasn’t for him getting me a job at Marble City School I dont know where I would be today. He also hired my sister there and guide her to college, where now she holds a bachelors degree. We send our condolences to all families. Mr.Couch will be missed dearly. Prayers for peace and comfort. God bless.
I was so sad to hear of Larry’s death. I know what a good dad and papaw he was and a blessing to his church and community. My love and prayers to the family.i
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers
Mr. Couch was always kind and dedicated to everyone at Marble City School, that’s how I knew him. He did more for that school than anyone and I’ve always had his back when anyone said different I’m honored to have had him as my principal, R.I.P Mr. Couch we love you!
Prayers for all the family. I only met him once but enjoyed our visit. I know that Liz and her family loved him very much. She spoke of him and the grandkids often. I know he will be missed. Once again, prayers for the family.
Carolyn, I am so sorry for your loss. I will be praying for your family. Lots of love, sweet friend.
My deepest sympathy during tjos time of loss. I know the pain you are feeling, the loss of your loved one for I feel this pain daily. Carolyn you have always been so kind and caring whenever I have come in, I never met Larry but he had to have been a Wonderful man for you are a wonderful lady. May your Faith in God’s promise of a better life at his side comfort you and your daily.Arnell Taylor The Ruby Williams Family!
Dearest Carolyn, I am so sorry for your loss. You know that I love you And my prayers for you and the daughters are in my heart.I know how hard this trial is for you. Remember that you are a special lady.May our Lord give you comfort. Lots of love. Loretta
My prayers are with Larry’s family. Lot of memories of some goat riding on Saturday mornings at his house.Always smiling and friendly. Rest in Peace.
We are so sorry for your loss, your family is in our prayers. God bless
Larry was such a kind, friendly man. Our family loved and appreciated him. He was a wonderful grandparent to our shared grandchildren. His impact will never be forgotten. He will be missed more than words can express.
May the Lord give you strength and peace.
So sorry for your loss, Carolyn. I am praying for comfort & strength at this time for you & the family. Love you much!
Dear Carolyn and family, I am so sorry for the loss of your loved one. He was always so sweet and helpful to everyone he met. He will truly be missed. I am sick today and won’t be attending the service, just wanted you to know we all thought him special also. But oh to be in the arms of Jesus!! Take care.
So very sorry for your loss!Praying for your family!
Praying for you all. My heart is broken for you. Praying God will surround you with His presence and you will know His peace. Love you….
I am so sorry! I did not realize Larry was in Heaven until this afternoon. I didn’t know Larry very well but know his wonderful family. Prayers for family.
So very sorry to hear about Larry. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Carolyn and Family,I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your husband. Although I never had the pleasure of meeting him, I know he must have been a truly wonderful man to have been married to you. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Much love, Jan McQuain
I always liked Mr. Couch very much, and was very sorry to hear of his passing, too late to attend his services. He was good to my children when he was at school and he improved the school more than anyone. My prayer are for his wife and children, for he is in a much better place than those he left behind. Rest in peace, Mr. Couch.
Carol, I am so sorry for your loss. I always enjoyed visiting with Larry when you would come to shop for your store. He will be greatly missed. You are in my thoughts & prayers.
Carolyn and familyMarco Tullio Cicerone said: Vita mortuorum in memoria est posita vivorum (The life of the dead lies in the memory of the living). I’m sure that it will be, as Larry was a lovely person who had dedicated time and efforts for his family and community to whom he was very devoted.A huge from Anacleto and family
Carol,Time passes but thoughts & prayers continue. I loved Larry just as I love you & always looked forward to the call that you had arrived. May God hold you in His loving arms & I will keep both you & Larry in my heart! You & Larry blessed me with your friendship & I am thankful. God only takes the BEST! I love u! K
I know this is a few years late, but I always remember him be firm but fair. He also let me work in the cafeteria for $25/week when I went to school at Marble City. Sorry to here that Mr. Couch has passed but he touched a lot of lives.