JOSEPH L. "JOE" COUCH, 57, of Atlanta, Kansas, passed away Saturday morning, March 13, 2010 at his home.

Born January 11, 1953 in Winfield, Kansas, he was the son of Carl N. and Patricia A. (Jenkins) Couch. He was raised and received his education in Atlanta, and graduated from Central High School in Burden.

Joe was united in marriage to Susan L. Marten on December 22, 2000 at the Atlanta Christian Church. The couple made their home in Atlanta. Joe worked as an oil field driller and pumper. He also worked at H & M Dozer where he operated and maintained heavy equipment. He was currently working at Valley Coop, Inc. in Atlanta as the grain superintendent.

Mr. Couch was a member of the Cornerstone Christian Church in Atlanta and was a volunteer for the Atlanta Fire Department for 41 years. He belonged to the NRA. Joe enjoyed smoking meat, fishing, hunting and collecting guns. He was known to many children as the "candy man".

His family includes:
His wife: Susan Couch of the home;
His step-children: Dawn Heady; Daniel Shepler and wife, Cathy; Jerry Qualls III "Bear" all of Wichita; Vanessa Qualls of Atlanta, GA; and Jerry Qualls, II;
His mother: Patricia Couch of Atlanta, KS;
His brother: Dorsey Couch and wife, Stephanie of Atlanta, KS;
His sisters: Katherine Grow of Atlanta, KS; Jane Ronk and husband, Dan of Viola, KS; and Deborah Byrd and husband, Mike of Winlock, WA;
His 5 grandchildren: Arya, Xerius, Cale, Cheyenne, and Lucy; and
Numerous nieces and nephews.

Joe was preceded in death by his father, Carl Couch and his brother-in-law, Roger Grow.

Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, March 18, 2010 at 10:00 A.M. at Miles Funeral Service in Winfield. Interment will follow at the Atlanta Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home on Wednesday evening from 5 to 9. The family will greet visitors from 5 to 6 that evening.

A Memorial has been established in Joe's name for the Atlanta Volunteer Fire Department. Contributions may be made through the funeral home.