Stuart W. Couch Sr., 79, passed away on Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2015, at his home in White Mountain Lake with his family by his side. Memorial services were held Dec. 19 at Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 9907 in Show Low. He was born July 4, 1936, in Providence, R.I., to West Couch and Irene Twist Couch. Stuart was a very patriotic person. Having been born on the 4th of July, he often mentioned that everyone was celebrating his birthday. He loved and served his country through a full military career, serving in both the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Marine Corps. He also served in the U.S. National Guard in Tucson. He enjoyed being a member of the Show Low VFW Post, providing funeral honor guard services for others, and recognizing their service and accomplishments. Survivors include his wife, Dorothy Couch of White Mountain Lake; his daughter, Karen Schwierjohn of Edwardsville, Ill.; and Dorothy’s children, Jeanette Mock of Pinetop, Frank Devecchio of Tucson and Charles Devecchio of Napa, Idaho. Stuart also is a grandpa to eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his sons, Wes Couch and Theodore Couch. Silver Creek Mortuary of Taylor was in charge of the arrangements.