Harold Couchman entered the world March 2, 1933 as son of George and Elizabeth “Frankie” (Davison) Couchman of Garfield Kansas. He passed away on July 8th, at Meadowlark Hills - Honstead House, in Manhattan. Harold graduated from Garfield High School in 1951.
During his youth, Harold was very active in 4-H and earned about every trip available. In 1952, he was selected as one of four outstanding 4-Hers in Kansas and won a trip to a leadership camp in Washington DC. While in Washington DC, Harold was selected as one of two 4-Hers to present President Truman with a plaque for outstanding services to 4-H. Later in life, he spent years as a 4-H club leader in Clay County where his kids grew up through the 4-H and FFA programs.
Harold was a Veteran of the U.S. Army. He enlisted on his 21st birthday with 12 of his friends including his cousin, Lorraine Couchman from Pawnee County Kansas. Harold attended basic training at Camp Chaffee Arkansas followed by radio operator and code school. Harold served two years active duty and spent time in Korea with the 5th armored Division, Company A of the 44th Engineering Battalion, obtaining the rank of Specialist Second Class. He served six more years in the U.S. Army Reserves after which he was Honorably Discharged having achieved the rank of Sergeant. During his service, Harold was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal and the Korea Defense Service Medal.
Harold was united in marriage with Glennis Unruh in June of 1958 & to this union three children were born, two sons and a daughter. They raised their children in rural Clay County. Harold was a master at designing intricate woodworking, electricity projects and gardening displays with his children for many County and State Fair exhibitions. The marriage ended in 1980. After growing up on a dairy farm raising Jerseys in Pawnee County, in 1958 Harold and his dad built an A&W Drive-in in Larned, Kansas and ran it for ten years. After this time, he followed his father’s footsteps and became a carpenter and general contractor in the Clay Center, Manhattan, Topeka and Rossville area. Harold stepped away from General Contracting for a few years and worked for the maintenance department of Friend’s University in Wichita Kansas, retiring in 1995. After retirement, Harold returned to his passion of carpentry work and specialized in home projects of remodeling, finishing basements and additions. There are many proud homeowners in Northeast Kansas that are happy to show off and brag about Harold’s craft work that highlights his eye for detail.
After Harold was unable to continue carpentry work, Harold worked seven years at Rossville Caseys and was known for the special touches he provided to the pizzas he made. Harold developed a new passion volunteering for the Rossville Community library. He contributed many hours to preparing projects for the children programs offered at the library. In 2020, Harold was recognized by Friends of Kansas Libraries for an Outstanding Individual Award. In 2022, Harold was featured on WIBW during the Salute our Heroes segment for his service to the military and the library.
Harold’s greatest joys were square dancing and going to his grand and great grandchildren's activities, attending Kansas State football and basketball games. He was fortunate to attend many of the bowl games. In addition, he was an avid KC Chiefs fan and attended the Chiefs first Super Bowl game, in the LA Coliseum.
Harold was preceded in death by his father in 1974 and mother in 1993. He is survived by his companion and best friend of twenty-five years Charie Broughton of Rossville Kansas, sister Eileen Donham, Derby Kansas, two sons: Larry and Carol Couchman and Garry Couchman of Manhattan Kansas, daughter Terry and Steve Hodges of Des Moines, Iowa. Grandchildren: Andrew and Erin Couchman, Leah and Jarrod Sheldon, Benjamin and Rachel Couchman, Sarah and Jason Baker, all residing in Wamego Kansas, Matthew and Jayden Couchman, Goddard Kansas, Destini Warnke Lincoln, Nebraska, Kaitlyn Hodges, JD Cocker and Steven Hodges of Altoona Iowa. Thirteen great grandchildren of which eleven reside in Wamego Kansas, one in Arlington Texas and one in Altoona Iowa. Charie’s daughter Gina and Corey Ervay, Andover Kansas, son Greg and Debby Taylor, Topeka Kansas and three additional “grandchildren”. In addition, there are many nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM Friday, June 14th, at the Westview Community Church, 615 Gillespie, Manhattan, with Pastor Brian Smith officiating. Interment with military honors will follow in the Sunrise Cemetery in Manhattan. As a tribute to Harold’s passion for Kansas State please wear your favorite Kansas State attire to the service.
In leu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to Rossville Community Library, PO Box 618, Rossville, Kansas 66533.