Thomas ‘Mel’ Couchenour Jr. – North Belle Vernon, and formerly of Elizabeth Township

Thomas “Mel” Couchenour Jr., 82, of North Belle Vernon and formerly of Elizabeth Township, passed away on Friday, Dec. 3, 2021, at Jefferson Hospital. He was a retired plant manager for the former Tygart Steel in Donora and a former employee of J. Allan Steel in Pittsburgh. A member of Central Highlands Community United Methodist Church in Elizabeth Township, he was a U.S. Army veteran of the Korean War and a lifetime member of Polaris Lodge No. 375 F&AM. Born Dec. 28, 1938, in Frank, he was a son of the late Thomas M. and Anna Mae Thompson Couchenour. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Virginia “Ginny” McLay Couchenour; daughter, Terrilyn (Chris) Ianuale of Elizabeth; son, Thomas Mark Couchenour of Donora; six grandchildren, Eric (Heather) Kettering, Brian (Shannon) Kettering, Tia (Adam) Gillingham, Christopher Ianuale, Thomas Mark Couchenour Jr. and Sara Waugaman; six great-grandchildren, Tyler and Benjamin Waugaman, Eli, Abel and Aubree Kettering and Layla Gillingham; sisters, Barbara Posa of Elizabeth Township and Cheryl June of Austin, Texas; brothers-in-law, Rick and Harry McLay; special friend and brother-in-law, Mike Hiles; his little dog, Ollie; and nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings, Harry “Bud” Couchenour and Janice Donley. A memorial service will take place at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 8, 2021, at Central Highlands Community United Methodist Church, 100 Timothy Drive, Elizabeth, PA 15037 with Pastor Stephen Morse officiating. Inurnment will follow at Mount Vernon Cemetery, Elizabeth Township. Arrangements are being handled by PAUL E. BEKAVAC FUNERAL HOME, Elizabeth. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Central Highlands Community United Methodist Church, 100 Timothy Drive, Elizabeth, PA 15037.