Clarence Hans Couch

Westminster, CO - Major (Ret.) Clarence “Sid” Hans Couch, age 97, died peacefully Thursday evening April 12th. He was born to Asa and Anna Couch on September 15th, 1920 on a homestead near Point of Rocks, west of Sidney, NE.

The family subsequently moved to Sidney where he graduated from Sidney High School in 1939. He was a lifelong member of the First Christian Church, serving as an elder. He married Shirley Jean Wright of Chappell, NE in St. Francis, KS on January 28th, 1947. After their marriage they resided for 17 years on a farm west of Sidney where they were honored with the Cheyanne County Soil and Water Conservation Award. In 1964 they moved into Sidney where they raised their family. They briefly resided in Alliance, NE before retiring in Westminster, CO where they joined the Christian Church of Broomfield.

In addition to farming, Sid was an Agent for Metropolitan Life, earning multiple awards and honors. As owners of the El Palomino and Deluxe Motels in Sidney, Sid served as President of the Nebraska Lodging Association. Active in the community, he was a long-time member of the Sidney Rotary and served a term as President and he was also a member of the Sidney Colonels.

He was a World War II veteran, serving as a B-24 Liberator pilot with the Army Air Corp 90th Heavy Bomb Group known as The Jolly Rogers. He joined the Corps at Spearfish, SD in June 1942, completing his initial glider pilot training in 1942 from the Spearfish Teachers College. He earned his glider wings at 29 Palms, CA, completed his cadet exams, and graduated from the twin engine school in Douglas, AZ. After obtaining his pilot’s license he joined the crew of the B-24s where he flew 49 combat missions in the South Pacific. He retired from the Air Force Reserves as a Major.

As a passionate motorcycle enthusiast, he was an early participant and attendee at the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally sponsored by the Jackpine Gypsies. He continued to attend the runs after his return from WWII and into the mid 1990’s. He passed his love of motorcycles on to his son Cory.

Sid is survived by his wife Shirley and three children, Bruce Couch, Renee Couch Bergstrom, and Cory Couch and son in laws Jeffrey Woods and Kirk Bergstrom. He also leaves behind 5 grandchildren, Kendall Bergstrom, Elliot Bergstrom, Chandler Bergstrom, Gus Bergstrom and Ashley Couch as well as many special nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents and two brothers, LaVerne Couch and Lester Couch.

A service will be held on Thursday, April 19th at 11:00am at the Christian Church of Broomfield, 12601 Sheridan Boulevard (corner of Midway) in Broomfield. A Military Service and Interment at Fort Logan National Cemetery in Denver, CO will be held later this year.

Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to Camp for Change at www.campforchange.org