The Rev. Dr. Ronald G. Couch died Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012. He was 74.

Dr. Couch was born on Aug. 2, 1938, and had been a resident of Vicksburg for the past 14 years. Born in Joplin, Mo., he was the son of the late Jack Couch and Nadine Sours Couch. Dr. Couch graduated from the University of Missouri at Kansas City, Mo., in 1969. He was a 1974 graduate of the St. Paul School of Theology, Kansas City, where he was awarded a doctorate and his Masters of Divinity degree.

Ronald pastored at several churches throughout the Midwest for more than 30 years. After retiring from the ministry he owned and operated J C Ware Computers in Carthage, Mo., and Joplin. Later he worked in the IT department of the Isle of Capri Casino in Vicksburg. He was an avid genealogist and Master Taxidermist. Dr. Couch was a member of the Elks Lodge and was a Freemason.

He is survived by his wife, Emily Given Couch; three daughters, Bennye J. Gill (Rodney Long) of Rockford, Ill., Deanna Haefer of Kansas City and Georgianne Bear of Independence, Mo.; two sons, Jackie M. Couch (Mary) of Kansas City and Ronnie D. Couch (Sheri) of Cannon Falls, Minn.; 16 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Karen Johnson of Carthage, Mo., and Lana Gaines of Freeman, Mo.; and a brother, Nick Couch of Carthage.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Shirley Jean Roller Couch; a daughter, Judith; and a brother, Jacky.

Interment services will be in Joplin.

Memorials may be made to Patient’s Choice Hospice, 1911 Mission 66, Suite A, Vicksburg, MS 39180.

Riles Funeral Home has charge of arrangements.