Richard Kelly Couch, 82 of Vernon, Texas, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 17, 2024, at his home in Vernon, surrounded by his family.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 23, 2024, at 10:00 am at First Presbyterian Church with Rev. George Records officiating. Burial will follow at Eastview Cemetery under the direction of Sullivan Funeral Home.

Kelly was born Saturday, October 18, 1941, in El Centro, Columbia, South America. He was the son of James Richard Couch and Mary Ann (Kelly) Couch. He married Susan Morris in 1992 in Vernon, Texas. Kelly graduated from Vernon High School, where he played football and ran track. Kelly received a track scholarship to Southern Methodist University where he graduated in May of 1965 with a bachelor's degree in business. In December of 1965, Kelly entered the Marines. Because of his college degree he entered as a commissioned officer. After serving his country with honor in Vietnam, Kelly returned to the US and was released from active duty in 1968. For a number of years Kelly lived in Louisiana, before returning to his home town of Vernon, TX. Kelly went on to attended Mid-Western State University and graduated with a master's degree in history. He then taught history at Vernon College.

Kelly was an avid golfer (even in Vietnam). He was President of the Louisiana Cotton Producers from the late 1970's to early 1980's. Kelly enjoyed politics, serving on the Vernon City Council for a number of years before being elected Mayor, which he served faithfully for ten years. He enjoyed having coffee with the guys at the Herring Bank, talking about and solving all the issues in Vernon. Kelly was an active member of the ROTARY Club. Kelly and his wife Susan enjoyed traveling to many locations in the US and around the world, including Washington D.C., China, and Israel. He was a lifelong member of First Presbyterian Church.

Kelly is survived by his wife Susan of Vernon, TX; his Sister Nancy Jane (Couch) Battle of Houston, TX and her children Kelly Battle of Houston, TX & Christine (Battle) Longbottom of Greater Perth, Australia; his children, Leigh Kelly (Couch) Griffin of Royse, TX, Richard Wade Couch of Garland, TX, and Valerie Snead and husband Will of Amarillo, TX; five grandchildren, Faith, Morgan, Will, Ben, & Luke; and six great grandchildren.

Kelly is preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Mary Ann Couch.

Visitation will be Friday, March 22, 2024, from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm at First Presbyterian Church, Vernon, TX.

Memorials can be made to First Presbyterian Church, PO Box 1977, Vernon, TX 76385, The ROTARY Club of Vernon, Texas, 2701 Highland Park Dr., Vernon, TX 76384.