Jerry Lew Couchman

Mr. Jerry Lew Couchman, age 88, of California, Mo., passed away on Tuesday, April 2, 2024, at his home surrounded by his family.
He was born on May 11, 1935, in Wichita, Kansas; son of the late Lawrence H. and Pauline (Abraham) Couchman. Jerry was united in marriage to the love of his life, Helen Marie West, on April 21, 1957, at the Wellington Place Baptist Church in Wichita, Kansas. They shared over 50 years together before her passing on January 14, 2009.
Growing up in Kansas, Jerry was a graduate of Goddard High School and attended Wichita University. Jerry joined the United States Army serving as a tank gunner in Germany and proudly served his country until his honorable discharge in 1956. It was after his return from Germany that he married Helen after months of exchanging letters of affection while he was stationed over-seas.
Jerry followed in his father's and grandfather's footsteps, joining the Sheet Metal Workers International Association. He relocated to Missouri in 1964 where he joined Local 36 SMWIA. He dedicated over 60 years to the trade earning the union's George Meany Award for community service. His son, Clayton, and his grandson, Adam, followed in his footsteps. He was also an instructor in the apprenticeship program guiding apprentices coming up through the ranks in the trade. His wisdom and love of teaching translated to other aspects of his life as well.
Jerry became involved with the Boy Scouts of America in 1975 when his son, Clayton, joined the Boy Scouts Troop 2 and continued to serve the scouts for over forty years. He served in several capacities within the troop and Great Rivers Counsel. He took pride in guiding his son and grandsons, Justin and Adam, to the rank of Eagle Scout. Jerry completed Wood Badge adult leadership training; later training other adults in the program himself. He took pride in being a dedicated leader.
Jerry attended Troop 2's summer camps for 32 years and was a welcomed visitor after his retirement from scouting at more recent camps within the Great Rivers Council. His involvement and dedication to the organization led him to receiving many awards throughout the years including the prestigious District Award of Merit, Silver Beaver Award, Golden Beaver Award, the Scoutmaster's Key Award, the Order of the Arrow Founders Award, the Zimmerman Order of the Arrow Award, as well as the Boy Scouts of America God and Service Award for his service to the First Presbyterian Church and local community. He also received a personal commendation from the Governor of Missouri for his many years of service. He proudly held fast to the Boy Scout Oath and Boy Scout Law and mentored Boy Scouts and Boy Scout Leaders over the course of three decades within Troop 2 and the Great Rivers Council.
Along with being dedicated to his work and community involvement, Jerry also knew the importance of his faith. He and his wife, Helen, were active members of First Presbyterian Church in Jefferson City. His heart of leadership and service flowed over into his church life and Jerry served as an elder of the church for many years. He was also a member of the Good Samaritans, offering a lending hand when needed. In 2016, he was awarded the Evelyn Bedell Award by the church community.
While work and community involvement were pillars of Jerry's life, the most important aspect was his family. In their younger years, he and Helen enjoyed traveling across the United States and were members of the Quincy Where? Group whose purpose was to visit towns named Quincy in the U.S. He was also blessed with opportunities to travel with his children and grandchildren over the years. He took pride in raising his children up the "Couchman Way" and never missed a teaching opportunity or lesson.
Jerry would often say, "There is a tool for every job and a job for every tool." He enjoyed spending time woodworking and tinkering in his shop. He was also passionate about his guns, was a skilled marksman, and a life-time member of the NRA. Another favorite pastime was reading; he had a collection of hundreds of books. He enjoyed sharing the responsibility of running the farm with his son. He loved to congregate at "the horse barn" with his son, his granddaughter, and the families of their boarded horses at feeding time. His love of people and their love for him was evident in each aspect of Jerry's life. His legacy, love, and wisdom will live on through the many lives he has impacted over the course of his life.
Survivors include his loving children, Annette K. Strange of California, Mo., Diane G. McDowell (Rick) of Jefferson City, Mo., and Clayton N. Couchman (Stormy) of California, Mo.; grandchildren, Shauna Garza (Carlos), Stacia Moses, Dennis G. Moses (Megan), Chelsay Braun, Jason McDowell (Codi), Justin Wilbers (Lynn Schell), Adam Couchman, Clinton Couchman, and Sarah Couchman; great-grandchildren, Christopher Moses, Alexis Kay, Jarin Garza, Devin Matney, Heidi Moses, Jacob Matney, Ari Caldwell, Tecora Moses, Callie Moses, Skyla Moses, Colton Braun, Avery McDowell, Mila McDowell, Lincoln Wilbers, and Ellis Wilbers; great-great-grandchildren, Eli, Owen, Sophia, Holden, Brooklyn, Antonio, Jaxson, and Shane; and sisters-in-law, Anita Cheatum and Norma West.
He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Helen; his parents; brother, Richard Couchman; son-in-law, Brian Strange; great-granddaughter, Elizabeth Moses; and brothers-in-law, Maurice West, and Bryce West.
Visitation will be held Friday, April 12, 2024, from 9:30 a.m. until 11:00 a.m., in Knox Hall, First Presbyterian Church, 324 Madison, Jefferson City, MO 65101.
Funeral services will be conducted Friday, April 12, 2024, at 11:00 a.m., in Knox Hall, First Presbyterian Church, 324 Madison, Jefferson City, Mo. 65101, with the Reverend Robert E. Bailey officiating. Graveside services and interment with full military honors will follow at California City Cemetery in California, Mo.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Yadi's Pittie Pals.
Funeral arrangements are under the care of Freeman Mortuary, 915 Madison St, Jefferson City, MO 65101.