Groff Funeral Homes
1607 East Perkins Avenue
Sandusky, OH 44870
Phone: 419-626-3632
Fax: 419-626-2445
Email: info@grofffuneralhomes.com
Website: http://www.grofffuneralhomes.com
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U.S. Navy World War II Veteran Charles Ray Couch, 95, passed away Sunday, September 20, at Providence Care Center leaving behind the love of his life, a loving family and hundreds of friends.
Charlie was born on December 19, 1924 in Wheeling Township, Ohio to Donald L. and Anna (VanHorn) Couch. Charlie's original birth certificate lists his name as Clarence. His father didn't legally correct Charlie's birth certificate until his son was 32 years old.
Charlie met the love of his life, Annie Elizabeth Kinzy, while he was serving his country and they married on August 5, 1943 in St. Clairsville, Ohio. Anne gave Charlie her high school picture in 1940 and he carried it in his wallet the rest of his life.
After serving aboard the USS Carrol, Charlie was honorably discharged from the Navy as an Electrician's Mate Third Class in December of 1945. The couple moved from St. Clairsville to Cleveland in 1953 and then to Sandusky, Ohio in 1957. They celebrated their 77th wedding anniversary this last August.
Charlie worked as a surveyor for Hanna Coal Company before landing a job with Ohio Bell in 1956. He retired in 1990 after 44 years. Charlie also worked part time at Andres-Tucker Funeral Home in Sandusky and after retirement he worked 11 seasons as a deckhand for the Jet Express from 1991 to 2002.
Charlie enjoyed woodworking, gardening, bowling, washing his car, and helping others. But what he enjoyed most was spending time with his family and his many, many friends. Charlie didn't know any strangers. He always had a ready smile and wonderful sense of humor, and remembered every joke he had ever been told.
Charlie was a member of the Masonic Lodge in St. Clairsville and the American Legion. He was a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Sandusky for 44 years. He and Anne raised four children together and in later years he enjoyed spending time with his 10 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.
Since 2002, Charlie enjoyed making the rounds of the many small Sandusky area coffee shops. Bay Bell in Bay View was one of his favorite spots. More than 50 family members and friends surprised Charlie there for his 90th birthday. He also enjoyed taking Anne out to eat at area restaurants.
One of Charlie's favorite vices in the past five years was Mountain Dew and his youngest daughter could expect a phone call when the Dew was running low.
Charlie said he had received many wonderful gifts over the years, but his favorite gift was the one he received on his birthday in 2018 when his great-grandson, Henrik Charles Blumensaadt was born on December 19, Charlie's birthday.
He is survived by his wife of 77 years, Annie Couch, Sandusky; children, Daren (Kathleen) Couch, Kennesaw, GA, Deborah (Don) Regnier, Witchita, KS, Dennis (Margaret) Couch, Mansfield, OH, and Dana (Bill) Blumensaadt, Catawba Island; 10 grandchildren, Brandon, Amber, Zachary, Meghan, Justin, Kelsey, Joey, Audrey, Nikolai and Mette; 14 great-grandchildren and a sister, Christie Huff, Flushing, OH.
Charlie was preceded in death by his parents, a brother Donald Couch and a sister Irene Agin.
There will be no visitation. The family will hold a private graveside service at Meadow Green Memorial Park, Huron. Pastor David Hixson will officiate. Groff Funeral Homes and Crematory will handle arrangements.
The family requests that memorial gifts be made to Calvary Baptist Church, 1810 E. Perkins Ave., Sandusky, OH 44870.
Condolences may be shared online at www.grofffuneralhomes.com
