John "Jack" William Couse

John “Jack” William Couse, 82, passed away at his home in Plainville, Kansas on June 21, 2025. He was born on December 2, 1942, to Arthur and Eleanor (Carr) Couse in Syracuse, New York. On August 22, 1964, Jack married Barbara Hollar at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Plainville. Together they shared a full and joyful life, raising 14 children.

Jack grew up in Syracuse and, at the age of 17, left Blodgett Vocational High School to join the United States Air Force, where he served as a mechanic. Following his service, he dedicated his life to hands-on work and helping others. He spent time as a dairy farmer and mechanic and later served as the Director of Transportation for both the Palco and Osborne school districts.

A true mechanical mind, Jack had a passion for all things automotive. He loved car racing and was known for tinkering with just about anything that had gears or wires. He worked extensively on CB radios and, as a young man, enjoyed building model cars and airplanes. He was a proud member of the Kansas Antique Racers, the Knights of Columbus, and the Northwest Kansas Racing Association.

Jack is survived by his wife, Barbara of Plainville; children, Cindy (Kim) Westberg of Wausau, WI, John (Lisa) Couse of Plainville, Catherine (Mike) Klein of Plainville, James (Tonia) Couse of Palco, Barbara (Max) Balthazor of Palco, Jacqueline (Don) Lawver of Olathe, KS, Justin (Darcy) Couse of Lucas, KS, Jessica (Rod) Quanz of Glade, KS, Joseph (Bethany) Couse of Stockton, Jennifer Gaines of Wichita, Janell Couse of Plainville, Jerrod (Sarah) Couse of Palco, Jeremy Couse of Plainville, and Christina Couse of Hays, KS; brothers, Gary (Carol) Couse of Abilene, TX and Richard Couse of Fayetteville, NY; sisters, Janice (Dave) Sunderhaft of Henderson, NV, Carol Couse of East Syracuse, NY, Cindy (Greg) Ezell of Punta Gorda, FL, and Georgia (Clayton) Baker of Brewerton, NY; 34 grandchildren; and 44 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Jason; brother, Jimmy Couse; son-in-law, Dan Christiansen; grandson, A.J. Couse; and great-grandson, Titan Harmon.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, June 26, 2025, at 10:30AM at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Plainville. Visitation will be on Wednesday, 6-8PM with a Vigil and Rosary Service at 7PM at the Church.

Memorials are suggested to DSNWK and Hays Hospice and may be mailed to Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home, PO Box 987, Wilson, KS 67490.