Wayne Anthony Couter Sr.

A life well-loved and lived Wayne Anthony Couter, Sr., 88, of LaVale, Maryland, peacefully passed away in the comfort of his home on Wednesday, July 24, 2024, after a courageous battle with cancer surrounded by his loving wife and children. Born at home on August 8, 1935, in Cumberland, Maryland, Wayne was the son of the late Howard Edwin and Eleanor Marie (Spies) Couter. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his older brother, Paul Howard Couter and niece Dena (Couter) Hammersmith.
Wayne is survived by the love of his life of 68 years, Barbara Ann (Kave) Couter; daughter, Paula Elaine McIntyre (Steven) and Wayne Anthony Couter, Jr. (Vickie); grandchildren Bianca (McIntyre) Klein (Patrick), Stacia (McIntyre) Stafford (Matthew), Christian McIntyre (Bobbie), Ashlyn (McIntyre) Illick (Mark), Oliver Dalton McIntyre, Amanda (Couter) Kitis (ex-husband, Adam), and Wayne "Anthony" Couter III (Patricia); great-grandchildren, Garrett and Avery Klein, Cailya, Natalie, Olivia, and Greyson Stafford, Grace and Kaiden McKone, Brynna McIntyre, Nathaniel Illick, Jameson McIntyre, Samantha, Haely, and Serenity Kitis, and Ellie and Wayne Couter IV. He was an uncle to Diane (Couter) Pryor, Beverly (Couter) Dean, Amy (Couter) Biddle, and Jesse Kave, in addition to numerous cousins, great nieces, and nephews.
Wayne was raised in Cumberland and was a proud graduate from Fort Hill High School, class of 1954. As an academic and sports-oriented student, he was a member of the National Honor Society in grades 11-12, Hi-Y in grades 10-12, student director of intramural sports during 10th grade, and was active in basketball, football and track in grades 9-12. In 1953, he was named Player of the Week and All City End. Wayne appreciated and respected the coaching style of William P. Hahn and was able to visit Coach Hahn with Barbara following their marriage on June 9, 1956. The Fort Hill High School yearbook, 1954 Sabre, noted Wayne as "neat, dimples, sense of humor, active, football fame, and a mischievous grin." He continued to remain active with all post-graduate functions of the FH class of 1954 where he enjoyed and helped plan five-year, milestone, and annual reunions. More recently, Wayne truly valued gathering monthly at various restaurants with his classmates and their spouses for lunch.
Although Wayne had a football scholarship to William and Mary, he did not feel college was the right choice for him. After graduation his interest was piqued by refrigeration with a job that took him to Pennsylvania through the week, returning home on the weekends. Wayne continued to grow his skills through the mentorship of Joe Sirna and Ray C. Lapp, course work, and his curiosity during his employment. In 1974, Wayne ventured out on his own and became the owner/operator of a plumbing, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning business known as Service Unlimited, Inc. and continued to guide until 2024. He was a member of Central United Methodist Church, serving on the church improvement board and as an usher. While his children attended Northeast Elementary School, Wayne was Parents Teacher Association (PTA) president and actively worked to grow funds to improve the well-being of the students, staff, and the school grounds.
Wayne was a member of the Potomac Lodge #100 A.F. & A.M., 32nd Degree Cumberland Scottish Rite, Ali Ghan Shrine, Directors Staff, Ali Ghan Shriners Past-Potentate 1996, Royal Order of Jesters (ROJ) Cumberland Court #117, Ali Ghan Railroad Unit, Algonquin #140 Tall Cedars, Ali Ghan Camper Club, Ali Ghan Highlanders Unit, Caberi for past-Potentates, and a life member and past-president of Ali Ghan Directors Staff. In 1996 he was honored as a graduate of the University of Hard Knocks through Alderson Broaddus University and was a past-board member of the Allegany County Museum and the Salvation Army. Wayne belonged to the Antique Car Club, Cumberland Outdoor Club, Cumberland Elks Lodge #63, Good Fellowship Club, Haystack Mountain Sportsmen's Club, Kennells Mill Sportsmen's Club, and Moose Lodge #271.
Following his formal retirement at the age of 62 from Service Unlimited, Inc., Wayne still found time to share and mentor his children and their spouses, grandchildren and their spouses, employees, and friends regarding HVAC situations, prospective members of the Shrine or just life in general. He appreciated fine food, a variety of libations, and had a definite sweet tooth. Wayne enjoyed hunting, camaraderie with his buddies at the Picardy Hunt Club in Oldtown, Maryland, and relaxing with family and friends at camp in Largent, West Virginia. Wayne and Barbara visited various Shriners Hospital for Children and organizations in the United States and Canada specific to children's health care and appreciated the friendships established through his service in the Shrine. As a dedicated Shriner, Wayne helped establish the Ali Ghan Shrine endowment fund which has aided many local children and their families through the generous donations of others. Finding and learning about old treasures was another pastime for Wayne and Barbara on weekends and after his retirement. He had a deep appreciation for local history and all things "railroad," especially, the B&O railroad. Wayne was particularly attracted by a pretty smile, animals of any kind but especially a dog, and kind people. He believed in "deeds, not words" and "two ears and one mouth meant you are to do twice as much listening as speaking."
After a round of tests in March 2024, Wayne learned that his cancer had metastasized, and he began treatment on March 27 to stifle the disease to allow him to maintain his quality of life. After completing one round of chemotherapy without complication, Wayne had an early morning appointment at the Cancer Center to boost his white blood cell count. He returned home to rest while excitedly anticipating celebrating Easter at the home of Matthew and Stacia Stafford for family companionship, dinner, and to watch his great-grandchildren search for eggs.
Following his return home and grateful for time spent with family, Wayne decided to rest for a bit before attending to some personal needs. His fall in the bathroom necessitated an ambulance ride to the hospital. Neighbor Vivian Keys helped keep Barbara calm while the ambulance crew and family arrived. Ray Shipley, neighbor, questioned Wayne on his way to an awaiting ambulance as to where he was going and with a smile and quick wit, he responded "to the morgue."
Wayne required seven staples to his head and remained in the hospital for eight days. He decided to participate in rehabilitation and was accepted at Sterling Care Frostburg Village. Wayne was unable to receive his second treatment because of cellulitis in his left hand and was transferred to J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital, Morgantown, West Virginia, for five days to address his care. Exhausted, Wayne returned to Sterling to rest, recover, and begin his rehabilitation again only to go undiagnosed with shingles for 10 days.
At the request of the family to assess Wayne's current situation, Dr. Sunil Gupta was able to quickly diagnose and prescribe medication for shingles to get him back on track. Not to be deterred, Wayne mustered the strength to participate in therapies and teased the staff that genuinely cared for him with his winning smile and playful grin naturally showcasing his dimples and baby blue eyes.
Following another round of treatment on May 6, and a hospital stay, Wayne decided to end his cancer treatment. He and Barbara were able to celebrate their 68th wedding anniversary with their son and family on June 7, and with his daughter and family on June 9 at Sterling Care. Wayne very much appreciated the cards, pictures, texts, and calls from the Fort Hill class of 1954 lunch bunch, friends, and relatives and the visits from close friends and family that included Gene Bender, Nancy Bowers, Pastor Lee Brotemarkle, Jesse Kave, Charlie and Alex Hardy, Diane Pryor, Eleanor Stotler, and Ronnie Welsh.
On July 3, Wayne appreciated returning to the comfort of his home and companionship of his wife where they were able to share some tender moments, music, and television. Hospice staff, Kris, Brittany, Theresa, Jane, Kerri, Elizabeth, Stephanie, Seth, Tara, Melissa, and Heidi were all fantastic in training and assisting the family with Wayne's care as well as their attention to detail and compassionate approach when working with him. After a courageous 13-year battle with cancer and just a few days shy of his 89th birthday, Wayne peacefully passed away in the comfort of his home.
The family appreciates the many people involved with Wayne's care and especially wishes to extend their deepest gratitude to Dr. Sunil Gupta and Karen, Dr. Qamar Zaman and Tammy, Jennifer and Sarah of the Schwab Family Cancer Center, and the many compassionate staff members of the UPMC of Western Maryland Emergency Room and 7th Floor, as well as the staff at Sterling Care Frostburg Village entrusted with Wayne's care and rehabilitation and specifically include, Angela, Ann, Tiffany, and Trish, and the staff from the various ambulance services.
Family and friends will be received at the Adams Family Funeral Home, P.A., 404 Decatur Street, Cumberland, Maryland, on Thursday, August 8, Wayne's 89 birthday, from 4 to 8 p.m. with Potomac Lodge #100 A.F. & A.M. conducting a memorial service at 7:45 p.m. Family will receive friends on Friday, August 9, from 10 to 11 a.m. with a funeral service at 11 a.m. by Pastor Lee Brotemarkle. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Park where Wayne will be placed at the right hand of Jesus. A celebration of Wayne's life will be immediately afterward in the Ali Ghan Shrine ballroom, 13100 Ali Ghan Rd NE, Cumberland, Maryland.
Pallbearers will be Wayne A. Couter, Jr., Wayne A. Couter III, Adam D. Kitis, Christian A. McIntyre, Oliver D. McIntyre, and Matthew S. Stafford. Honorary pallbearers will be Gene F. Bender, E. Chuck Groves, Charles J. Hardy, Richard D. Van Fleet, Gene G. Weber, and surviving classmates from the Fort Hill class of 1954.
The family would appreciate that memorial contributions be made in loving memory of Wayne A. Couter, Sr. to Central United Methodist Church, 15 S. George Street, Cumberland, Maryland 21502, Fort Hill Scholarship Fund, Fort Hill High School, 500 Greenway Avenue, Cumberland, Maryland 21502, Schwab Family Cancer Center, UPMC Western Maryland, 12500 Willowbrook Road, Cumberland, Maryland 21502, Ali Ghan Shriners Endowment Fund, 13100 Ali Ghan Road NE, Cumberland, Maryland 21502, Allegany County Animal Shelter, 716 Furnace Street, Cumberland, Maryland 21502 or a charity that makes you smile.
Wayne was a loving husband, father, granddad, great-granddad, uncle, and friend. He was a proud father, adored his grandchildren, and was amazed by and delighted to share time with his great-grands. Although a jokester at times, he was never mean-spirited with his silly antics, was a grateful and blessed man with a genuine appreciation for life. Like his mother always said, "Life goes on" and it does. So, with a vast amount of memories to cherish, Wayne will live in our hearts forever.