William Lee Couch

William Lee "Bill" Couch, 80, Topeka, died Thursday, February 5, 2009 at Plaza West Health Care Center.

He was born July 12, 1928 in Horton, Kansas, the youngest son of Cecil "Mike" and Lily Mae Patterson Couch. He lived in Horton until the age of 4, when his family moved to Lamar, Missouri, where he attended school until the age of 16. He then convinced his mother to give her permission for him to join the Merchant Marines in 1944. Following his discharge in 1946, he joined the U.S. Marine Corps on May 5, 1946 and was discharged on December 12, 1947. He then joined the Sea Bee Reserves. Bill was a member of Capital Post #1 American Legion.

On May 20, 1948, he was certified to fly single engine small planes. He also attended the Naval School, Instructor Training Service, School Command, U.S. Naval Training Center, Great Lakes, IL on December 17, 1954.

Bill and Phyllis C. Norris were married on July 29, 1966. They had two children, son Kevin Lee Couch and daughter Shelley Couch.

Bill worked for Santa Fe Railroad from 1950 until his retirement on July 12, 1989. Bill was very active in his Shawnee Local Lodge #888. He was president and later secretary and treasurer for the union for several years.

Bill was well known in the Topeka bowling circle. He was one of the first bowlers in Topeka to carry over a 200 average in two different leagues. Bill was later inducted into the Topeka Bowling Hall of Fame and was named "Bowler Of The Year" in 1969.

After we lost our son in 1969, a good friend, Dick Finney, got him interested in golf. bill took to this game like a "duck to water", almost living on the golf course. Sadly, after his stroke in October, 2004, Bill had to give up one of his greatest pleasures of being able to play the game.

One of Bill's great enjoyments was to be able to watch our daughter, Shelley, grow up to be a wonderful adult and parent.

Bill thought he was very fortunate to reconnect with his son, Bill, Jr., after he became an adult, and was very proud of the young man he had become and the many things he accomplished.

One of Bill's frequent statements was "it is amazing how well children grow up in spite of their parents".

Bill was preceded in death by his father, Cecil L. "Mike" Couch on July 29,1965, his son, Kevin Lee Allen Couch on April 17, 1969, his mother, Lily Mae Couch on January 23, 1998, and his brother, Carrol L. "Larry" Couch on April 23, 2008.

Bill is survived by his wife, Phyllis, of the home; his daughter, Shelley Rosetta (Todd) and their children, Alexa and Austin of Shawnee, KS; two sons, William L. "Bill" Ebeling (Julie) and their children, Meagan and Kyle of Newport Beach, CA and Marc Allen of Kansas; a brother, Bob Couch (Agnes) of Sacramento, CA; and his cousin, Jerry Couch of Cottage Grove, OR. He is also survives by two nieces, one nephew, three grand-nieces and four grand-nephews.

As per Bill's wishes, he will be cremated and there will be no public service. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association of Kansas, 5375 SW 7th St. 66606, or to the organization of the donor's choice.

Dove Funeral Home is assisting the family.