Houston National Cemetery
10410 Veterans Memorial Dr.
Houston, TX 77038
Meet in Lane #2 @ 11:15 a.m. (Not before 11:00 a.m.)
Visitation: 12:00 p.m.
Chapel: 1:30 p.m.
Houston National Cemetery: 2:15 p.m. (In Procession)
Military Honors Presented By:
United States Air Force
Houston Honor Guard
Gather: 11:00 a.m.
Chapel: 11:30 a.m.
Houston National Cemetery: 12:30 p.m. (In Procession)
Chapel: 1:30 p.m.
Houston National Cemetery: 2:30 p.m. (In Procession)
Military Honors Presented By:
United States Marine Corps
VFW Post 4709
Jerry Edward Burgess was born on October 3, 1943, in Camden, Arkansas, to his loving parents Ivy and Eva Burgess. Jerry grew up with one sister, Bertha Burgess Ellis. Jerry lived a life defined by service, dedication, and a deep appreciation for the simple joys of life. A proud Christian, Jerry was a long-time member of the United Methodist Church. His faith guided his path and anchored him through life’s many seasons. He answered the call to serve his country by enlisting in the United States Marine Corps on July 31, 1961. He served with honor and distinction during the Vietnam War and was honorably discharged on July 30, 1965. A devoted patriot, he continued to uphold the values of courage and loyalty throughout his life. Professionally, Jerry was a skilled and respected design engineer. He worked at Ingersoll Rand for 15 years before continuing his career at Mitchell Energy, where he dedicated 28 years of service and retired in 2005. Retirement didn’t slow him down—Jerry went on to operate Jerry’s Feed in Conroe, Texas, where he built lasting friendships and stayed connected to his community. In his free time, Jerry thrived in the outdoors. He loved trail riding, hunting, fishing, and dancing. He was often seen enjoying time with friends at the VFW in Conroe or at Casey’s Pub in Magnolia, usually accompanied by his beloved late service dog, Andy. His favorite saying, “Be good, or be good at it,” summed up his spirited and light-hearted nature.
Jerry was a proud Legacy Member of VFW Post 4709 in Conroe and was actively involved as a long-time committee member of both the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and the Montgomery County Fair and Rodeo. His community involvement was just one of the many ways he gave back and remained engaged with the people and causes he cared about most.
Jerry leaves behind cherished memories for his family and a host of dear friends. His presence, wisdom, and sense of humor will be dearly missed.
Chapel: 10:30 a.m.
Houston National Cemetery: 11:30 a.m. (In Procession)
Military Honors Presented By:
United States Air Force
Houston Honor Guard
St. Ignatius of Loyola Catholic Church
7810 Cypresswood Drive
Spring, Texas 77379
Visitation: 9:30 a.m.
Mass: 11:00 a.m.
Military Honors: 12:00 p.m.
-Services Conclude Here
Military Honors Presented By:
United States Army
Visitation: 12:00 p.m.
Mass: 2:00 p.m.
Military Honors: 3:00 p.m.
-Services Conclude Here
Military Honors Presented By:
Houston Honor Guard
Visitation: 11:00 a.m.
Chapel: 12:30 p.m.
Houston National Cemetery: 1:45 p.m. (In Procession)
Military Honors Presented By:
United States Air Force
Visitation: 12:00 p.m.
Chapel: 1:30 p.m.
Houston National Cemetery: 2:30 p.m. (In Procession)
Military Honors Presented By:
United States Army
Houston Honor Guard
Houston National Cemetery
10410 Veterans Memorial Dr.
Houston, TX 77038
Meet in Lane #2 @ 10:15 a.m. (Not before 10:00 a.m.)
Military Honors Presented By:
United States Navy
Houston Honor Guard
Visitation: 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Chapel: 10:00 a.m.
Houston National Cemetery: 11:15 a.m. (In Procession)
Military Honors Presented By:
United States Army
Houston Honor Guard
Visitation: 11:30 a.m.
Chapel: 1:00 p.m.
Houston National Cemetery: 2:15 p.m. (In Procession)
Jean Ellen Taylor, beloved wife, mother, grand-mother, and friend, went to be with her Lord and Savior on July 8, 2025, surrounded by those who loved her most. Born Jean Ellen Stokes on November 9, 1946, in Ada, Oklahoma, to Carl Russell Stokes and Berniece Taylor Stokes, Jean’s life was one of devotion, strength, and unwavering love for her family.
Jean spent her early childhood in Okemah and Seminole, Oklahoma, before moving with her family to Del City following the death of her father. She attended Hefner Junior High School and Del City High School, where she was a cheerleader and a football queen attendant—roles that reflected her vivacious spirit and warmth.
In the late 1950s, Jean met the love of her life, Johnny Taylor Jr., and the two were married on February 29, 1964, in Elkin, Maryland. While Johnny served in the U.S. Navy and was deployed to Vietnam, Jean began her professional life working at Annandale Bank. After his return from active duty, they settled in Del City, Oklahoma, and later moved as Johnny’s career required.
Jean was a born entrepreneur. Over the years, she successfully owned and operated several businesses, including a hair salon, tanning salon, and convenience store. But more than her business success, Jean’s true pride and joy came from being a devoted wife, mother, and later, “Mimi” to her grandchildren.
She poured her heart into her family’s life -attending PTA meetings, hosting birthday parties, and cheering on her children and grandchildren at countless sporting events. In 1997, she became “Mimi” to Makenna Berniece Cowart Briggs, and again in 2002 to Dalton James Cowart. Her bond with them was special and full of joy, laughter, and unwavering support.
After retiring in Pearland, Jean cherished her time with family and friends and enjoyed the simple pleasures of life. In 2021, she bravely began her battle with cancer. Though the illness returned with force in 2024, Jean’s strength never wavered. She fought with courage, grace, and a quiet resilience that inspired everyone who knew her.
Jean was preceded in death by her parents; her siblings, Joyce K. Stokes, Charlotte A. Bonin, and Wayne Stokes; as well as nieces, Gina and Sherri, and nephew, Kevin.
She is survived by her loving husband of over 61 years, Johnny Taylor Jr.; daughters, Lisa Taylor Cowart, Tonya L. Taylor, and Tara Taylor Reeves, and their spouses; her sister, Carlene Craddock; sister-in-law, Donna Stokes; her cherished cousin, Pam Hopple; grandchildren, Makenna and Dalton; and many extended family members and dear friends.
Jean’s love was immeasurable, her presence unforgettable. Her legacy lives on in the lives
she touched, and the love she gave so freely.
Gather: 11:30 a.m.
Chapel: 12:30 p.m.
Houston National Cemetery: 1:45 p.m. (In Procession)
Military Honors Presented By:
United States Army
Visitation: 11:30 a.m.
Prayer: 12:00 p.m.
Houston National Cemetery: 12:45 p.m. (In Procession)
Military Honors Presented By:
United States Army
Houston Honor Guard
Gather: 12:00 p.m.
Chapel: 12:30 p.m.
Houston National Cemetery: 1:45 p.m. (In Procession)
Military Honors Presented By:
United States Army
Houston Honor Guard
Chapel: 10:00 a.m.
Houston National Cemetery: 11:30 a.m.
Military Honors Presented By:
United States Army
Houston Honor Guard
Chester Lee Couch Jr., lovingly called “Buster” as a boy by his family and “Papa” by his grandchildren, passed away peacefully on July 7, 2025, with the love of his family surrounding him, just shy of his 83rd birthday.
Born on July 25, 1942, Chester was the son of the late Chester Lee Couch Sr. and Geneva Woods. He was lovingly raised by his grandparents, Mary Couch - affectionately known as “Ganky”- and Albert R. Couch , who instilled in him the values of hard work, kindness, and devotion to family.
Chester had a zest for life and a lifelong love of engines, wheels, and speed. In his younger years, he raced cars during the early days of drag racing and remained passionate about racing throughout his life. He especially loved classic cars - restoring them, talking about them, and attending car shows with friends and family. Whether he was at the racetrack or admiring a vintage engine under the hood, Chester lit up with enthusiasm and knowledge.
After proudly serving his country in the United States Army, Chester dedicated more than 50 years to his work as a mechanical engineer, where his brilliance and tireless work ethic left a lasting mark.
Chester had a rare gift for storytelling - his family will always remember how he could bring a room to life with his vivid memories, humor, and wisdom. He loved being near the water and felt most at peace boating on the lake or sitting by the shore. More than anything, Chester treasured his family. He never missed an important moment, offering constant love, guidance, and support.
Chester is survived by his devoted wife, Ginger Couch, children Danielle Couch Burr (Trevor) and Gary Couch (Stina) and step-children Darin Roberts (Jamie) and Shannan Hamlin (Tim). He is also survived by Veda Couch, mother of their children, Chad and Danielle, sisters, Carolyn Couch, Joyce McKee (Jim), Kindra Gensheimer (Jimmy), brother, Charlie Harrison (Jeanett) and thirteen loving nieces and nephews. He deeply loved his grandchildren, Penny Wooley, Caleb Couch, Logan Couch, Gary Couch Jr., Shane Couch, Ashley Hamlin, Lilah Burr and Evelyn Burr. He leaves behind seven great-grandchildren, with one more on the way, as well as many loving cousins and extended family who will miss him deeply.
Chester was preceded in death by his cherished son, Chad Lee Couch, his parents and grandparents, and his granddaughter, Latrisha Culp.
A Celebration of Life will be held on:
Thursday, July 24, 2025
10:00 AM – Veterans Funeral Services
10567 Veterans Memorial Dr., Houston, TX 77038
Burial Ceremony with Military Honors:
11:30 AM – Houston National Cemetery
10410 Veterans Memorial Dr., Houston, TX 77038
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Chester’s honor to a veterans’ organization, engineering scholarship fund, or another meaningful cause of your choosing.
Though our hearts are heavy, we take comfort in knowing Buster’s legacy of love, laughter, and devotion will live on in every life he touched. His stories will echo for generations, and his steady presence will be missed beyond measure.
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”
— 2 Timothy 4:7
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