Steven Ray “Steve” Couch, 78, of Hahira, GA was surrounded by his family when he was called home to be with the Lord on May 29th, 2026. Steve was born on November 19, 1947, to William ("Bill") and Barbara Couch. He grew up in DeWitt, IA, and after graduating from high school, attended Colorado State College, where he played football. Following college, Steve proudly served in the United States Army as a military police officer.

He enjoyed a long career with the U.S. Postal Service, beginning as a substitute carrier and eventually rising to Manager of Post Office Operations Macon District, all while being a devoted Father and husband. Steve met his wife, Gwen, while they were both employed by the U.S. Postal Service. They married on March 14, 1997, and shared nearly 30 happy years together. After moving to Hahira, Steve became an active member of the community, which he loved and proudly called home.

Steve was a natural leader who found great fulfillment in serving others. He served as Commander of American Legion Post 184 in Savannah, GA, was a 50-year member of the Masonic fraternity through the Grand Lodge of Iowa and dedicated more than 25 years of service as a Shriner in support of its charitable work. Even in retirement, he remained active in numerous organizations. He was named Legionnaire of the Year in 2023 by American Legion Post 218 in Hahira, GA and led the Happy Travelers group through VLPRA for 14 years, traveling throughout the United States, Europe, and the Caribbean. A devoted member of Hahira Community Church, he served as a trustee and usher and participated in the Hahira Community Feeding Program. He will be remembered for his generous heart and lifelong commitment to serving others.

Known as “Pepa,” he was the steadfast leader of our family and the one who always seemed to know the answers. He was deeply loved and admired. He led with love, kindness, generosity, and a grateful heart, often reminding us to be thankful for our blessings. A lifeguard in his younger years, he taught many of us to swim and was like a kid again in the water. He was devoted to his family and faith above all else.

He enjoyed Georgia football and Hallmark movies in “his chair,” time with family and his beloved dog, Rowdy, and long conversations together. He set out to leave the world better than he found it—and he certainly did. He will be deeply missed.

He is survived by his wife, Gwen Couch of Hahira, GA; daughter, Laura Veltkamp and her husband Rich Veltkamp of Springfield, GA; and stepson, Steven King of Hahira, GA. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Kelley Taylor and her husband Andrew Taylor of Jacksonville, FL; Cara Bevill and her husband Eric Bevill of Sylvania, GA; Wynter Valeo of Springfield, GA; and Reed King of Hahira; as well as great-grandchildren Emalynn, Myla, and Amelia (“Millie”).

Additional survivors include his brother, Darryl Couch and wife Becky Couch of Phoenix, AZ; and sister-in-law, JoBeth Cowart of Hahira, GA, his sister and her husband, Angela Dykstra and Guy Souther of San Gabriel, CA, his brother and his wife, Dean Dykstra and Christi Trow, of Bountiful, UT. He is also survived by his uncle, Larry and Carolyn Carroll of Thomson, IL. Steve is preceded in death by his parents, William (“Bill”) and Barbara Couch of DeWitt, IA; and his grandparents, Bob and Dorothy Carroll of Thomson, IL.

A memorial service for Steve will be held at Hahira Community Church at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 6, 2026, with Mike Davis officiating. The family will receive friends at the church from 12:30 p.m. until the service begins. Flowers will be accepted or memorial contributions may be made to American Legion Post 218, P.O Box 33, Hahira, GA 31632, to support veterans at the Lake City, FL VA Hospital through Volunteer Services, or to the Hahira Community Church Feeding Program, PO Box 491, Hahira, GA 31632. Condolences may be conveyed to the family on the obituary page of www.mclanecares.com. 

Martin/McLane Funeral Home