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January 21, 2010

Highland welcomes interim pastor

David Laughlin

DUNCAN — Jerry Couch isn�t exactly new to Duncan and Stephens County, but he is the new interim pastor at Highland Park Baptist Church located at 1002 S. 10th St. in Duncan. Highland Park Baptist will host a welcome dinner for Couch.

Couch was raised on Baseline Road, halfway between Chattanooga and Cache. He graduated valedictorian of Chattanooga High School in May 1960. He enrolled in Cameron University of Lawton after graduation.

Shortly after enrolling, Couch met his future wife, Eleanor Laverne Cook of Duncan. The couple dated for more than a year and married Jan. 20, 1962.

He continued his education at Oklahoma Baptist University. While enrolled at OBU he became pastor of Hilltop Mission in Moore.

Couch attended Southwestern Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas, and earned a masters degree in education from Oklahoma University. Couch has served as pastor in churches throughout Oklahoma, New Mexico and Ohio. Jerry and Eleanor have two children, Christopher and Brian.

Christopher and Brian served in the ministry. Brian died in 1995 because of heart failure.

Couch has served as Director of Missions for the Mullins Baptist Association in Duncan for six years. He retired Dec. 31, 2009, but continues as the interim director of missions.

Couch felt called to be a bi-vocational pastor.

�I have had some truly wonderful experiences being a bi-vocational pastor. I really felt that God wanted me to be a big part of children�s lives.�

Couch said he has done everything in the school system from driving buses to cleaning. �I have done everything except cook,� Couch said laughing.

�I have enjoyed being in the ministry. I am a people person. I enjoy being with people and ministering to them. I enjoy being with people when they are hurting and when they are celebrating,� Couch said.

Couch will celebrate 50 years behind a pulpit in April.

�I have never had a really bad experience. I have had some that weren�t as good as others,� Couch said.

Couch is happy with the decisions he has made to bring him to this point in his life.

�I would have never been truly satisfied doing anything else beside teaching and pastoring, I have enjoy both immensely.�



� David Laughlin is a reporter for The Duncan Banner. He can be reached at 580-255-5354, Ext. 144, or via e-mail at david.laughlin@duncanbanner.com.

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