Englewood philanthropist passes at 72

Richard Lee Couchot, 72, of Englewood and Bellefonte, Ky., passed away peacefully in his Florida home Sept. 3 surrounded by his family.

He is survived by his wife, Katharine; sons, John T. Couchot of McKinney Texas and Dr. Michael D. Couchot of Ashland Ky.; daughters, Joan E. Floyd of Oviedo and Ann M. Burge of Stevenson Ranch Calif.; two brothers, James Couchot of Piqua, Ohio and Roger Couchot of Maple Grove, Minn.; and three sisters, Judith Quinter of Piqua, Diane Winkler of Hokes Bluff, Ala., and Barbara Jeffers of Piqua.

Born Feb. 23, 1939, he graduated from University of Findlay in 1963 with an bachelor's degree in business administration. He also played football, basketball and baseball and later established The Richard Lee Couchot Football Scholarship Fund. He later studied business law at Miami University in Piqua.

He worked in small and commercial loan business with American Finance Co. in Piqua and Dayton, Richmond and Indianapolis and more than 20 years with Ashland Financial Services in Ashland, Ky.

A loving, generous husband, father, grandfather and friend, his generosity helped more than 40 people go to college. His hobbies were fishing, golf and spending time with his family. He was also an able handyman who could fix almost everything.

Mass will be held 10 a.m. Sept. 16 at St. Raphael Church, Englewood, followed by burial in the church gardens and a celebration of life in the Parish Center.

Memorial donations may be made to: St. Raphael Church, 770 Kilbourne Ave. Englewood FL 34223; Holy Family Church, 900 Winchester Ave. Ashland KY 41101; Tidewell Hospice, 5955 Rand Blvd. Sarasota FL 34238; or the Richard Lee Couchot Scholarship Fund, University of Findlay, 1000 North Main St. Findlay OH 45840.