Pastor Royce W. Couch, a cherished husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully on April 12, 2025, at the age of 87 in Denison, Texas. Born on August 16, 1937, in Grandfield, Oklahoma, he was a man of faith and service, touching the lives of many with his kindness and wisdom.
Royce dedicated his life to serving others, both in his professional career and personal endeavors. After honorably serving in the United States Air Force, he embarked on a distinguished 27-year career in law enforcement from which he retired. His commitment to community and faith led him to serve as a pastor at Blue Baptist Church and Kenefic Baptist Church, and he generously supplied his pastoral care at many other churches in need. He was a devout member of the First Baptist Church in Bokchito in his retirement.
He was a man of many interests, finding joy in the simplicity of fishing, the adventure of horseback riding, and the tranquility of camping. Royce was also an avid reader and a gifted storyteller. His stories, often filled with humor and wisdom, will be fondly remembered and greatly missed.
Royce’s legacy is carried on by his loving wife of 69 years, Mary E. Couch of Bokchito; his daughter, Robin Couch Fischer and her husband Robert of Granbury, Texas; his son, Russell Couch and his wife Sharon of Venus, Texas; his son, Jeffrey Couch of Bokchito; and his daughter, Lori Pesch and her husband Joey of Bokchito, Okla. His life was further blessed with five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren who brought him immense joy and pride. He is also survived by his brothers Bobby Couch and his wife Jeanne of Cache, Oklahoma, James Couch and his wife Eva Jean of Wilton, California, Jerry Couch and his wife Eleanor of Marlowe, Oklahoma, Kenneth Couch of Lawton, Oklahoma, and his sister Yvonne Allen and her husband Billy of Lawton, Oklahoma, as well as numerous beloved nieces and nephews, and many well-loved friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Wm. Roy Lee and Lillian (Smith) Couch, who instilled in him the values of faith, family, and service that he carried throughout his life.
Friends and family will gather at his Family Hour on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, from 7-8 p.m. at Holmes-Coffey-Murray Funeral Home. His funeral service will be 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at First Baptist Church in Bokchito with Brother Jerry Couch officiating. Burial will follow in Bokchito Cemetery.
Those serving as pallbearers are Lani Villegas, Jesus Villegas, Colby Pesch, Joey Pesch, and Austin Hamill.
Services are under the care of Holmes-Coffey-Murray Funeral Home, 121 N. Fifth Ave. in Durant.
www.holmescoffeymurray.com