COUCH, Colonel Alexander P.
'Alex'
July 14, 1914 - Nov. 28, 2012
Another greatest generation member has gone west. At age 98, Alex passed away peacefully at home in Sacramento, CA, on November 28. He is survived by his wife of 71 years, Patricia Couch; daughter, Cary Ann Parrotte and her husband Irwin, of Carmichael; daughter, Kathy McNulty, and her husband George, of Park City, UT; son, Patrick Couch, and his wife, Donna, of Fair Oaks; son, Kelly Couch and his fiancee, Jana Jacobson, of Elk Grove. He is also survived by five grandsons: R.J. McNulty, Kelly McNulty, Dennis Parrotte, Aaron Couch, Daniel Couch, and one granddaughter: Jennifer Parrotte. Additionally he is survived by six great grandchildren: Brandon McNulty. Josh McNulty, Kristen Hrkach, Daniele Ryder, Logan Couch, and Tony Couch. He is predeceased by his brother, John Couch and his sister, Sarah (Sally) Scoonover.
Alex was born in Monterey, CA and grew up in El Centro, CA with two siblings. He attended the Spartan School of Aeronautics where he obtained a commercial fixed wing pilot license. Later he joined the Army Air Corps and was one of the early officers assigned to the newly constructed McClellan Army Air Force base. During WWII he saw service in the North African campaign and stateside, flying C-47 aircraft towing Waco troop carrier gliders, in preparation for the Normandy Invasion.
As a pilot during WWII he flew support for troops over North Africa and told a story about that time. Running out of fuel over the Mediterranean, he prepared for a crash by lightening the load of his C-47 aircraft. Jettisoning cargo, he later discovered that the cargo included the General's luggage containing his wife's mink coat.
Post WWII, Alex was stationed In Tokyo, Japan. Later he served in Anchorage, Alaska and finished his career in Sacramento, CA, serving as the base Inspector General at McClellan AFB. He served 25 years in the Army Air Corps/U.S. Air Force, retiring in 1962.
Alex began a second career of civil service with the County of Sacramento. He ended his career with the county as Chief of the Personal Property Division. Always one for adventure, Alex and his wife Patricia enjoyed many long years of travel around the world well into his 90's.
Alex loved the outdoors-fishing, hunting, & camping. He expressed his great joy in music through song, playing the piano and ukulele. Alex shared a long and good life with his family and friends.
A committal service will be held at the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery located at 5810 Midway Road, Dixon, CA. A celebration of Alex's life will be held in Sacramento for family and friends following the services. For date, time and directions please contact Patrick Couch at hoenigcouch@sbcglobal.net or call him at 916-792-1408.
Published in The Sacramento Bee on December 5, 2012
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