John Roland Couch

John Roland Couch was born May 14, 1935 to LeRoy and Helen Ford Couch on the south side of Indianapolis. His mother passed away when he was just two years old. In 1937, his father married Louise Delight Ray Couch and to this union three children were born. He received his elementary education at Indianapolis Public School #19 and graduated from Crispus Attucks High School with honors Class of 1953. After graduation, Johnny was accepted to several colleges such as Ball State, Indiana University and Tennessee University, but decided to enlist in the United States Army where he was sent to Japan. Later he received an Honorable discharged in 1957.

On the day of his return to Indianapolis, Johnny choose to surprise his mother and family by walking in during the middle of church service {because he was then and always would be a mama's boy} Affectionately known as Johnny, he accepted Christ on August 17, 1947 and united with Mt. Pilgrim Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Rev. E.M Pendelton, pastor. He also sang in the youth choir.

In the early 60's, Johnny relocated to Roseville, Michigan to live with his uncle Lennard and was employed at the Ford Motor Plant for two years. He then moved back to Indianapolis to work at the Kroger Bakery for 33 years. He retired from Kroger in 1998. Johnny was preceded in death by his father, LeRoy Couch in 1974, mother L. Delight Couch in 1982, sister, Betty Chappy Couch in 1980, sister, Mary Joan Richmond-Armstrong in 2007. He departed his life on May 28, 2018 at his home at 1738 Linden St. Being the Patriarch of the family who had no biological children Johnny was a father figure to many.

He leaves to cherish his family members: Joyce M. Bradley, Darlene Green, Michael A. Couch, Herb Ray Jr., Timothy Hughes-Couch, David F. Couch, Gregory (deceased), Debra, Darrel Anderson, Vicky Staton, Michael Reynolds (deceased), Todd Reynolds, Eric "Scotty" Reynold, Aunt Barbara Jean Brown of Indianapolis, niece Sumyr Baird and the cousins from Kokomo, Indiana. 3 great-nephews, 5 great- nieces, 9 great-great nephews, many cousins, relatives and southside family.

We would like to thank Anthony Leach who over the years cut Johnny grass and completed odd jobs and other handyman work. Thank you to Elle West for driving him to medical appointments and running errands when Johnny was not up to the task. The Couch Family has a special thanks to Roberta Reynolds for being a friend, a companion and a confidant. May God continue to bless you as you have blessed our family with your kind and giving spirit.