Jerry E. Couch of Nathan, Ark., aged 80, died peacefully, surrounded by his family, on Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025, at a Texarkana nursing home. He was born Dec. 26, 1944, in Nashville, Ark., to his parents, Calvin Couch and Judy Couch Tinsley.
Jerry was a faithful member of the Murfreesboro Church of Christ. He had a successful 32-year career with Arkla Gas, retiring in 1998 as the state Manager of Construction. He was also president of Arkansas One-Call from 1995-1997. He received the Distinguished Sales Award from Arkla in 1987. He was instrumental in the formation of Arkansas UPS.
He was preceded in death by his father and step-mother, Joyce Couch; his mother and step-father, Roy Tinsley; a son, Gary Couch; a brother, Robin Couch; two sisters, Carolyn Saldivar and Gaylon Dudley; and an infant brother.
He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Johnnie, of Nathan, Ark.; a sister, Sandra Kay Culp of Nashville, Ark.; a daughter, Nita, and husband Randy Fatherree of Nashville; a son, Keith, and wife Noelle of Nathan, Ark.; a daughter-in-law, Holly Couch; six grandchildren: Jenny and husband Will Whitehead of Magnolia, Ark.; Kelsey and husband Chris Holder of Nathan, Ark.; Hunter Couch of Nashville, A.; Hope Couch of Texarkana, Texas; Karly Couch of Nathan, Ark.; and Kaylie Couch of Nathan, Ark.; four great-grandchildren: Bryson Holder, Emma Holder, Nathan Couch, and Maryanna Whitehead. Jerry loved spending time with children. He especially loved outings with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He loved making memories with them and was always ready for new adventures. He enjoyed the outdoors and the community of Nathan, where he was raised and lived most of his life. He took pleasure in hunting, fishing, camping, and tending the land. He was deeply loved and appreciated by his family and will be dearly missed.
A special thanks goes to Elite Hospice and Dierksen Hospice, who provided exceptional care in the past year. Also, thanks to the staff of Avir/Waterton Nursing Home in Texarkana for their concern for Jerry.
The family will receive friends on Tuesday night from 5-7 p.m. at Nashville Funeral Home.
Funeral Services will be Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2025, at 10 a.m. at Murfreesboro Church of Christ with Ralph Mullins and Michael Howard officiating. Interment will follow in Academy Cemetery in Nathan under the direction of Nashville Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Academy Cemetery fund or the charity of your choice.
