Milton George Couch, 96, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 30, 2020 in Rock Hill, South Carolina. Born August 2, 1924 in Ithaca, New York, Milton was a World War II veteran and was named for his great-grandfather, Milton William Couch, a Civil War Union Army Major. He graduated from Dryden-Freeville Central School in June 1941.
In March 1943, Milton was drafted into the Army and stationed at Camp Gordon (Georgia) Headquarters as a clerk and Chaplain’s Assistant.
In early 1944, Milton boarded the RMS Aquatania for Scotland from New York, NY and was assigned to General George S. Patton’s 3rd Calvary Reconnaisance Troop, Mechanized as a troop clerk. While in Europe, Milton served in England, France, Germany and Austria.
After returning from World War II, Milton married Clarice Mespell on June 14, 1946. Together they raised 4 children in Endwell, New York before transferring to Charlotte, North Carolina with IBM in 1979, where Milton worked until retiring in 1987.
Milton is predeceased by his wife of 72 years, Clarice Mespell Couch, who passed away in August 2018 at the age of 93. He also leaves behind a large family who loved him dearly, including his 4 children: Pamela Couch; Cathy (Couch) Smith and husband Frank; Thomas Couch; and Jonathan Couch and wife Ceçile; 6 grandchildren: Sarah (Smith) Mason, Franklin Smith Jr.; Rebecca (Smith) Cobb; and Stephen Smith; Joshua Couch and Jason Couch; and 8 great-grandchildren: Claire Smith, Will Smith, Tyrus Cobb, Luke Mason, Keller Smith, Alex Mason, Violet Cobb and Natalie Smith.
Milton is predeceased by his parents, Joel and Dorothy Couch. The third of 5 children, Milton is survived by his brother, Edward and is predeceased by his sister, Alethea Hall and brothers, Donald and David.
Milton especially loved music and was an accomplished pianist. He took great joy in not only playing but in listening to his children and grandchildren play the instrument he loved his entire life.
Milton was truly a part of “The Greatest Generation” and lived his life in service to his family, his country and his community.
In lieu of flowers, Milton’s family asks that you donate to a local hospice organization in your community. The family extends heartfelt thanks to the compassionate staff of Carolina Gardens, Pruitt Health and Pruitt Health Hospice who cared for Milton as he transitioned from this life to the next.
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