By Jim Meridith
Posted: Updated:
17 Comments
    • Service

      Private Family Service
      Spring of 2021

    • Full Obituary

      Joe R. Couch, age 76 of rural West Salem, IL passed unexpectantly from this life to the next on December 9, 2020 at Deaconess Midtown Hospital, Evansville, IN.
      Joe was born on November 15, 1944 in Wabash County, IL to Byron Edwin and Irene (Price) Couch.
      On May 19, 1973 he married the love of his life, Debra Kay Bennett at the Little Wabash
      Church and they enjoyed over 47 years together.
      Joe worked as an engineer for Champion Labs until his retirement, however, over the years he enjoyed many interests, which included: bowhunting, Nascar-watching and attending the grandkids’ ballgames with Deb. He was in his element when he was surrounded by his family. Joe had a way of making everyone feel welcome and the twinkle in his eye usually signaled a joke was about to be shared. He was a member of the Little Wabash Church and Hermitage Lodge#356.
      He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Ron Couch and great-grandson, Byron Couch.
      Joe leaves many fun and warm memories to be cherished by his family, which includes: his wife, Deb Couch, son, Scott Couch, sister-in-law, Kay Couch, 5 grandchildren: Brandon (Bobbi Woods) Couch, Jacob Couch, Jocelyn (Rob) Lents, Madison (Keaton Lingafelter) Couch, step-grandson, Coty (Tabbi Cassady) Beehn, and 4 great-grandchildren: Ellie, Johnie, Pearl and Ryland. Also surviving are very special friends, Shamber Weiss and Coleen Kleinschmidt.
      Cremation rites will be accorded and a private family inurnment service will take place in the Spring of 2021 at the Little Wabash Cemetery.
      Online condolences and fond memories may be left for the family at www.meridithfuneralhome.com
      Ingram-Meridith Funeral Home of Albion is honored to be entrusted with the arrangements.

    Condolences are reviewed and published within 24 hours.

    17 Condolences
     
    1. Leslie Luthe / December 11, 2020 at 4:08 pm

      Debbie and family, I am so sorry to hear of Joe’s passing. I have been through losing my husband , but I still have no words to express the sympathy for losing Joe. Just know my prayers are with you, and I’m available if you need to vent. Love you and your family !!

    2. Kay Jones / December 11, 2020 at 4:23 pm

      So sorry Deb thinking of you

    3. Amanda Giese / December 11, 2020 at 5:28 pm

      I always fought the other waitress, at the West Salem Village Cafe, to be able to have Deb and Joe as my customers. I loved their warm smiles, orneriness and smart wit! I always thought they were the cutest couple. Joe never missed a birthday wish on Facebook. I will miss that ornery grin on his. All my love to you, Deb.

    4. Robbin and Gary Eckel / December 11, 2020 at 6:23 pm

      Debbie and family, So sorry to hear about Joe. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all!!

    5. Cynthia Hillyard / December 11, 2020 at 6:31 pm

      So sorry to hear this Deb I will never forget the Sundays at Gospel Chapel. One thing we know he’s with the Lord
      Praying for you all. Love you

    6. Gary Wood / December 11, 2020 at 7:03 pm

      So sorry to learn of Joe’s passing. Worked with Joe for several years and made several international business trips together to Asia and Brazil. Joe was not only a good friend but a dedicated Champion employee and always made business decisions to make Champion a better company. No matter if we drinking coffee in China, S. Korea, São Paulo or Albion, Joe was always Joe and good to be with. I will truly miss him and our prayers are with you. RIP Joe.

    7. Karen Sager / December 11, 2020 at 11:00 pm

      So very sorry for your loss, Joe was a very good man with a ready smile and I know he will be missed by many. Thoughts and prayer with y’all !

    8. Brian and Melanie Wiseman / December 12, 2020 at 11:01 am

      So sorry to hear of Joe’s passing. He was a great man with a wonderful smile. Thinking of you and sending hugs your way.

    9. Jane Stevens / December 12, 2020 at 11:12 am

      So sorry Deb. Joe was such a sweet man, always had a smile. He will be missed. Keeping you and your famiky in our prayers. God Bless You!.

    10. Marvin & Ardis Wick / December 12, 2020 at 12:09 pm

      Debbie, so sad to hear of Joe passing.
      Thoughts and prayers are with you💕
      Marvin & Ardis Wick

    11. Maggie Bringa / December 12, 2020 at 3:42 pm

      Debbie n Joe: You two are like salt n pepper, jelly n bread, everyone loved Joe. What a saint with his family!
      May these words help you gather strength from what remains behind.

    12. S. Rose Fielden / December 12, 2020 at 5:06 pm

      So sorry about Joe Deb but Don and I have several fond memories of “our group” get togethers and dancing until the wee hours of the morning. We had so much fun together that will be cherished forever. Our prayers are with you and family.

    13. Ann Schnitz Krejci / December 13, 2020 at 3:33 am

      So sorry to hear of Joe’s passing. My condolences.

    14. Rita and Ted Woods / December 13, 2020 at 10:31 am

      Sorry for your loss Deb and family, God be with you through your journey the next few days. Bundles of fond memories at the Albion Moose.

    15. Roberta Brown / December 13, 2020 at 10:46 am

      Debbie & family, so very sorry to learn of Joe’s passing. Thoughts & prayers to you💕

    16. Janice, Stan & Jayden Brown / December 14, 2020 at 6:52 am

      Sorry to hear about Joe, Our Thoughts & Prayers are with the family!

    17. Curtis Ingram / December 15, 2020 at 3:02 pm

      Sorry to hear of Joe’s passing. You have our sympathy
      Curtis & Dolores Ingram

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