Obituary of Harold K Coutts

Harold Kenneth Coutts, born March 22, 1923, to George Elliott Coutts and Anna Katherine Gumble, passed away August 31, 2015 in San Antonio, TX, where he and his wife Janet Coutts resided for the past 10 years. He was age 92. Harold was predeceased by brothers: Robert, Albert, Richard, Eugene,and George Coutts. Although born in Wisconsin, Harold was still an infant when his parents decided to return to their native home in Paupack, PA. Raised on the family farm, he attended Paupack Grade School, and graduated from Hawley High School in 1941. He attended one year of college before he was drafted into the land and naval forces and assigned to the Enlisted Reserve Corp. On June 27, 1944, he was commissioned a Second Lieutenant and ordered to active duty. He was rated pilot, graduated with Class 44F, and transferred to Las Vegas, NV for B-17 co-pilot training. Between February 20, 1945 and April 18, 1945, he served in Europe. Harold flew 26 aerial missions, logging in 215 combat hours with the 8th Air Force. Engine failure on a bombing run resulted in his capture in Germany. He was later liberated and flew home with his older brother, George, who was also an Air Force pilot flying supplies to German civilians, On September 9, 1945, his tour of duty in World War II ended. On March 22, 1983, he was officially retired from the US Air Force Reserve with the rank of Major. Mr. Coutts was a member of Life Church Assembly of God in San Antonio, TX., and former member of American Legion. He is survived by his wife of 63 years: Janet (Robinson) Coutts, and six children: Gary Coutts, Connie &her husband, Mark Sissons, William Coutts, Wayne & his wife, Linda Coutts, Michael Coutts, Beth Coutts; Grandchildren, Angela, Bradley, David Sissons, Andrew & Cindy Coutts; step grandson, Robbie Forsyth; Great Grandchidren, Liam & Jason Sissons, Matt & Shane Forsyth; two brothers: Don & his wife, Shirley Coutts, James Coutts & his companion, Joan; one sister: Beatrice & her husband, Richard Martin; as well as sisters-in-law, Helen Coutts, Jan Coutts, Grace Coutts and many nieces and nephews. Calling hours will be Saturday, September 5th from 1 to 2 PM at Teeters' East Chapel, 505 Church St, Hawley, PA, followed by the funeral service 2 PM with Rev. Robert L. Wood officiating. Burial with Air Force Honors will be in Pine Grove Cemetery in Paupack. A memorial service will also be held September 12, 2015 at the chapel at Blue Sky's East Retirement Village, San Antonio, TX.