Edward Charles Couts, Jr.

Union carpenter was WWII Army veteran Edward Charles Couts Jr., 85, of Washington, died Sunday, November 20, 2005, in Washington Hospital following a two-week illness. He was born May 25, 1920, in Washington, a son of Edward C. Sr. and Florence Mossburg Couts. Mr. Couts was a graduate of Washington High School. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Army and was awarded the American Defense Service Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Service Medal and Good Conduct Medal. He was a union carpenter with Local 541 for 50 years. Mr. Couts was a member of Friendship Community Church, Washington County Horseshoe Club and a 60-year member of Edwin Scott Linton American Legion Post 175. On October 30, 1973, he married Loretta Harris, who survives. Also surviving are a son, Charles Couts of Houston, Texas; a stepson, John Heer of Bourg, La.; a sister, Clementine A. Wisnosky of Pasadena, Calif.; and a grandson, Jon Patrick Boros. Deceased are two brothers, Arthur R. and James Couts. Friends will be received from 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday and 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday in William G. Neal Funeral Homes Ltd., 925 Allison Avenue, Washington, where services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, November 26, with the Rev. Floyd Marasco officiating. Entombment will follow in the Mausoleum of Washington Cemetery. Military rites will be accorded graveside by Edwin Scott Linton American Legion Post 175. Memorial contributions may be made to Friendship Community Church, 354 Weirich Avenue, Washington, PA 15301.