RICHFIELD SPRINGS - Lee S. Couchman, 82, of Canadarago Street, entered into eternal rest Tuesday morning, April 15, 2003, in Bassett Healthcare, Cooperstown. He was born March 6, 1921, in Ilion, son of the late Kenneth Lester and Marie Keno Couchman. Lee was raised in Ilion and graduated from Ilion High School "class of 1939." It was in Ilion that he met Margaret "Peggy" West. They were married May 5, 1946, in South Columbia by Pastor Ridgeway. Mr. and Mrs. Couchman have resided in Richfield Springs since 1946.An honorably discharged World War II veteran, he was a first lieutenant serving with the U.S. Army Air Corps 347th Fighter Squadron, the 350th Group and the 12th Air Force in the Mediterranean Theater, Rome-Arno and the Northern Apennines.Mr. Couchman had worked for Remington Rand and for 35 years with the Library Bureau in Herkimer. He retired in 1985.Lee had a strong belief in God and led a devoted Christian life. His friends knew him as a doer and not an observer. His first love was flying and he was a very capable pilot. He delighted in boating and scuba diving. After his retirement from the Library Bureau, he spent much time repairing swimming pools, using his scuba gear. He was an outdoorsman; going hiking, exploring caves and photography were his relaxation. He was interested in anything scientific or mechanical, and relished his elaborate bottle collection. Lee enjoyed his life, his friends and his family. He will be truly missed.Surviving are his wife of 56 years, Peggy; a daughter, Cynthia L. and her husband Ronald L. Hoffman of Earlville; two sons and their wives, Jon "Kit" and Diana Couchman of Hopkinsville, Ky., and Kerry L. and Bonnie Couchman of Pittsfield, Mass.; three brothers and their wives, Edward and Patricia Couchman of Millers Mills, Harry and Emily Couchman of Ilion, Carl and Betty Couchman of Mohawk; five grandchildren, the Rev. Kenneth Couchman and Brendan Couchman, both of Kentucky, Steffani Webb of Richfield Springs and Steven and Alethea Couchman of Pittsfield, Mass.; two great-granddaughters, Mirissa Llewellyn and Jennifer Webb; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.A sister, Mary Louise Becker, preceded him in death.It was Mr. Couchman's request that all services be private and at the family's convenience. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Richfield Springs Volunteer Fire Department.Funeral arrangements are with J. Seaton McGrath Funeral Home, Richfield Springs.