Harvey C. Couch - Final Chapter

Final Chapter

In February 1940, Couch developed a severe case of influenza, and insisted on attending the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, even though he had not recovered. After the convention, he traveled to Baltimore, Maryland, and Washington, D.C., where he suffered a heart attack. After several months of recuperation, he returned to Couchwood, his vacation estate located between Malvern and Hot Springs, Arkansas. The severity of Couch's condition was concealed from the public, and he continued as director of the state Polio Campaign even as his condition worsened. Havey Couch died at Couchwood from complications of cardiovascular disease. One of the diesel locomotives and a number of the cars from Couch's beloved Kansas City Southern - Louisiana and Arkansas streamliner, the Southern Belle, were diverted to Pine Bluff, Arkansas to serve as a funeral train, carrying Couch's body from funeral services in Pine Bluff to Magnolia for burial.

The Democrat Couch was the father-in-law of Pratt C. Remmel, the only elected Republican to have served as mayor of Little Rock in the 20th century. Remmel, the mayor from 1951-1955, was descended from an old-line Republican family. Remmel's wife, Catherine Couch Remmel, is honored by the naming of Lake Catherine in Hot Springs.