JOPLIN, MO —
Dr. Raymond A. "Jack" Couk Jr., age 89, Joplin, passed away on Sunday, April 29, 2012, at his home just hours after a family celebration for his upcoming 90th birthday.
He was born on May 7, 1922, in Wichita, Kan., to the late Raymond A. Couk Sr. and Edith Gutherie Couk.
Jack was a 1st Lieutenant in World War II and was a B-25 pilot. He flew 73 missions in the Philippines and New Guinea. He received the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster.
He practiced veterinary medicine in Chanute, Kan., and in Northwest Arkansas. In his later years, he became an antique collector and accomplished clocksmith.
Jack is survived by his wife, Mary, of the home; three children, Mike Couk and his wife, Paulette, Carthage, Jan Conde and her husband, Eduardo, Eureka Springs, Ark., and Debbie Butcher and her husband, Bruce, Chanute; five grandchildren, Jesse Anderson, Eureka Springs, Zach Couk, Joplin, Abby Phelps, Joplin, Austin Butcher, McPherson, Kan., and Chase Butcher, Overland Park, Kan.; and three great grandchildren, Laney Couk, Nolan Couk and Kepple Butcher. In addition to his parents, Jack was preceded in death by two grandchildren.
Jack has been taken for cremation. A celebration of life will take place at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice Compassus in care of Parker Mortuary.
Arrangements are under the direction of Parker Mortuary.
Online condolences may be made at www.parkermortuary.com
Raw: Tornado on the Ground in Oklahoma
Split-second Choice Ended With NY Student Dead
White House Backs 'Shield Law' for Media
Wave of Attacks Kills Scores in Iraq
Pug Life on Display at Wisconsin Festival
Company Promises to Make All Snail Mail Digital
Analyst: Tumblr Fills Void in Yahoo's Offerings
Commuters Face Delays After Conn. Train Accident
Raw: Swarm of Tornadoes Slams Plains
Raw: Fierce Bombing in Qusair, Syria
RAW: TV Staff Take Cover From Tornado
Raw: Accused US Spy Reportedly Leaves Russia
AP CEO: Records Seizure 'Unconstitutional'
Fatal Hot Air Balloon Accident in Turkey
Tornadoes, Storms Strike Midwest
'Babyland': Camp Lejeune's Toxic Legacy?
Raw: Heavy Tornado Damage in Shawnee, Okla
NTSB Begins Investigation Into Conn. Train Crash
Could Tobacco Be the Next Biofuel?
