Travis Funeral Chapel

Darrell L. Fouch, 89, of La Plata, MO, passed away December 10, 2016, at Northeast Regional Medical Center, Kirksville. The son of John William and Lois Martha (Macy) Fouch, he was born on October 13, 1927, in Monroe, Iowa. On March 14, 1952, at Community Presbyterian Church in La Plata, Missouri, he was united in marriage to Sara Beth Pash, who survives.

He is also survived by one daughter, Deborah (David) Current of Warrenton, MO, three sons, David (Janie) Fouch, of Kirksville, MO, Scott (Sue) Fouch, and Bradley Fouch of La Plata. He is also survived by 14 grandchildren, Zachary (Erin) Fouch, Daniel (Julie) Fouch, Rebecca Cupp, Leah (Toby) Fouch-Frisch, David (Megan) Fouch, Matthew (Amy) Fouch, Jennifer (Geoffrey) Clark, Sarah (Brian) Holden, Reyner (Gina) Fouch, Katherine (Steven) Gochenour, Hayden Fouch, Toni Huttner, Jacob and Tierney Fouch. He is also survived by 22 great-grandchildren, one sister, Joyce Cox of Knoxville, IA, and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Clyde Fouch and a great grandson, Jonathan Reyner Fouch.

Darrell was a 1946 graduate of Pleasantville, IA High School and left immediately following graduation for basic training in the United States Navy where he served for two years. Following his stint in the navy, he attended college and graduated from Northeast Missouri State Teacher’s College (now Truman State University) in 1953. While there, he played varsity football, serving as co-captain his senior year, and was later inducted into the Truman State University Hall of Fame.

Following graduation, Darrell was employed for five years as a Certified Corrective Therapist at the Veteran’s Administration Hospital in Knoxville, Ia. In 1958, he and his family moved to La Plata, MO where they purchased a small grocery store which they named Fouch’s Food Mart, and remained in that business for 29 years before retiring to pursue his dream of returning to his roots in farming. At that time he, along with his son, David, started Fouch’s Christmas Tree Farm which provided him with many happy years outdoors and much joy watching families having good times creating Christmas memories. Darrell had a very strong work ethic and was a role model for younger employees and grandchildren. Woodcarving was a hobby he enjoyed, and many people have collections of the old-world Santas which he carved and sold at the Christmas tree farm. They are also prized possessions of his children and grandchildren.

Darrell was a member of Community Presbyterian Church where he was an Elder and a Trustee. He was also a member of The American Legion, La Plata Masonic Lodge, Truman Alumni Association and Tau Kappa Epsilon. He also served a term on the La Plata City Council. He was proud of his family and especially enjoyed following the sports and musical activities of the children and grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, December 13, at Community Presbyterian Church with Reverend John McGee officiating. Visitation will be Monday, December 12, from 5 to 7 p.m., at Travis Funeral Chapel in La Plata. Burial will be in the La Plata Cemetery. Pallbearers will be his grandsons, Zachary, Daniel, David, Matthew, Reyner, Hayden and Jacob Fouch. Honorary bearers will be his granddaughters.

In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy in memory of Darrell Fouch may be made to Community Presbyterian Church or the Ladd Pash Scholarship at La Plata R-II School. Memorials may be left or mailed to Travis Funeral Chapel, 125 S. Church St., La Plata, MO 63549.