Cecil H. Couch

Cecil Couch, 92, passed away on Monday, December 15, 2014 at a local nursing center in Abilene, TX. Funeral services will be 1:00p.m., Thursday, December 18, 2014 at Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home Chapel of Memories, 542 Hickory St. with Don Wilson officiating. Burial will follow in Elmwood Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be this evening, Wednesday, December 17, 2014 from 6:00 to 8:00p.m. at Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home, 542 Hickory St.

Cecil was born in Italy, Texas on November 19, 1922 to Coy Bateman and Lillie Mae Claxton Couch. He was a member of the 1940 Italy State Championship Football team which never allowed a point to be scored against them all season. He served in World War II fighting with the 36th Infantry Division in Europe. He fought six major battles and received the Bronze Star for Bravery and a Purple Heart for being wounded in battle.

Cecil began a lifelong career in teaching and taught distributive education at Abilene High School for 23 years. One of his greatest enjoyments was fishing. He spent many hours patiently teaching his kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids to fish. He had enough fish to feed all those who attended at many family reunions. Later he took up bowling and won the Kids & Us League trophy with his grandson, Austin. He was an active member of First Christian Church for many years.

He is preceded in death by his parents; and his brothers, Cleo, Leslie, and Stanley. Survivors include his wife, Jo Ann Couch; his sons, David and Steve Couch, Gary and Lon Jones; daughters, Celia Maxey, Diana Flamm, Mary French, and Christy Shaw; his sister, Elaine Couch; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

You may view and sign the guestbook at www.elliotthamilfuneralhome.com