A. Michael "Mike" Couch

COUCH, Alan Michael, “Mike”, age 63, formerly of Springboro passed away unexpectedly from COVID-19 complications on Saturday, December 26, 2020. Mike was born on May 8, 1957 at Good Samaritan Hospital in Dayton, OH to Rocky Couch and Doris Smith. He attended Oakwood High School and served four years in the U.S. Army.
Mike’s center was his family. He was deeply in love with his wife and crazy about his boys, their spouses and his grandbaby. He adored his mother, loved and laughed with his brother and sister, and kept his heart open to his many in-laws, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Mike met the love of his life, Vickie, in 1973 at a drive-in movie theatre. They married in 1982 and shortly after they brought three rambunctious sons, Matt, Zach, and Max, into this world. As a husband, Mike was a perfect role model. He loved Vickie deeply and treated her like the angel she is. From being high school sweethearts to lifelong best friends, Mike and Vickie had a relationship many admired and emulated especially their sons. All three married wonderful women and continue to model the example Mike set for them. Recently, he became a proud grandfather for the first time and Grace, Zach and Mirian’s daughter, filled his heart with joy.
Mike loved baseball and through his coaching he was able to create special memories and friendships with his sons and the boys he coached. “Coach Couch” was inspirational and taught his players not only about baseball but about the importance of having fun and enjoying life. He mentored many young athletes outside of the field, as well, and was always eager to make a difference in someone’s life. He did it, not for the recognition, but because he deeply cared. Some of the greatest memories in his life and in his sons’ lives took place on a baseball diamond. He loved being involved in the sport so much that he became an umpire after his boys no longer played.
Mike lived his life out loud. His boisterous personality and sense of humor filled a room and many people were drawn to him. Nieces and nephews, the boys’ friends, and the numerous children Vickie cared for and brought home all enjoyed his antics and amusing ways. He adored children and loved making them laugh. His humor was also contagious with adults. He loved matching wits, making funny comments, and acting silly. He would light up a room with his presence and his humor.
His “larger than life” personality created special memories for many people he came in contact with. Recently, he was able to reconnect with a group of close friends from his younger days. He valued the time he spent with them on annual trips where they enjoyed laughter and fun and talked about those “I can’t believe we did that” moments.
Mike also enjoyed celebrating many years of holiday, birthdays, and family gatherings with both his in-laws and his siblings’ families. Mike would show up filling the room with laughter and fun.
If you ever visited Mike’s facebook page, you would find the many activities he loved from his past: music from the 70’s, former Cincinnati Reds players, winning Cincinnati Reds teams, and reposts of every post he ever posted. You may also find a really goofy and strange comment and a follow up comment saying, “That wasn’t me! The boys (usually Zach) hacked my account again!” You would see countless pictures and videos of him talking to his grand dogs, Spanky, Bubba, and especially Stella and Archie. He loved dogs. He also loved vacations especially trips to Norris Lake, playing the drums, and jamming with his bandmates. Even on social media, his fun and crazy personality will be missed.
The phrase “one of a kind” gets thrown out there a lot, but if there was one person deserving of that it would be Mike. It is unbearable to imagine his presence is no longer with us, but with time and the abundance of wonderful memories, laughter, and love we shared, he will be with us helping our hearts heal.
May the loved ones who have gone before you embrace you with loving arms. We know you were called to Him and are now one of his angels watching over us. You will remain forever in our hearts. Godspeed Mike
Mike was preceded in death by his father Rocky and sister Debbie.
He is survived by his life partner of 47 years, Vickie, sons Matt (Tiffany), Zach (Mirian), Max (Meghan), granddaughter Grace, mother Doris, brother Bob (Ann), Leschansky siblings-in-law (Ed and MaryAnn, Jamie and Larry, Annette and Doug, Lori and Mark, Patti and Jay, Jim, Teri and Tod), Couch nieces and nephews (Maddie and Tommy, Alex, Emma, and Hollis) Leschansky nieces and nephews (Elizabeth and Adam, Anne and Jay, Catherine, Nick and Supinda, Bret, Erica and Austin, Alex, Adam, Jacob, and Andy, Nate, Linsay and Patrick, Leah and Andrea), grand-nieces Cora and Alyssa, grand-nephews Spencer and Shane, and countless loved ones, friends, and neigbors.
Friends may watch a livestream of Mike’s service at Routsong Funeral Home’s YouTube page from 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM for the Memorial Video Tribute. Memorial Services begins at 11:00 AM.
The Couch family is eternally grateful for all the support from family, friends, and neighbors. The family is hoping to have a Celebration of Life with everyone in the near future, but until then, please celebrate his life by playing with dogs, listening to some rock ‘n roll, and sipping a Scotch.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to either Dayton Hospice or Michael’s Believe Foundation at 288 Tamarack Trail, Springboro, OH 45066; all proceeds go to Miracle Field Special Needs Baseball.