Custer C. Couch (1927)

COUCH, BICKFORD

Posted By: Pat Hochstetler (email)
Date: 11/14/2008 at 14:16:51

Earlham Library Collection
Earlham Echo

Custer C. Couch is Called Home

Answers Death Summons at Home of Sister on Pacific Coast. Brilliant Career Ended by Fatal Malady.

The many friends of Custer Couch learned with sorrow this week of his passing last Friday at the home of his sister Mrs. Lisle Bickford on North Commonwealth Avenue, Hollywood, Cal. Death came as a merciful release to this brave soul after a long, hopeless fight to regain his health. A few weeks ago he came to the little bungalow clinging to the foothills of Los Angeles’ mountain rampart knowing that he had lost. An insidious disease, tuberculosis of the spine, which he had resisted for several years, could not be cured. Details of his death are wanting as yet, but those who were privileged to call him friend know he must have faced the unknown as he met life, with a cheerful philosophy and an unflagging hope.

Three years ago in February he spent several weeks in Earlham renewing friendships and contemplating re-entering the banking business here. Even then, although his health was better than for some time he was bowed by the fatal affliction which was subsequently to terminate his earthly life. Two years later his friend Dr. Gubser went to California to persuade him to consult the Rochester clinic, but he was too feeble to endure the long trip. The intervening months passed with hope alternating with relapses, but the end proved inevitable.

Funeral services were held Sunday from the “Little Church of the Flowers” at Glendale.

The Couch family, Mr. and Mrs. J. M. Couch and their four children were residents for many years in the Earlham vicinity, all of the four children, Earl, Mabel, Custer and Mildred receiving their degree from the Earlham Academy. Custer was born on a farm in the Longmire neighborhood north of town. Later the family moved north of the Jim Riley farm near De Soto, and in 1892 to the present Jack Bernau farm, where they remained for several years. Custer graduated from the Academy in 1903 and then took a business course at the Four C’s. He accepted a position in the Citizens State Bank here and was rapidly advanced to a position of responsibility.