SHELDON D. DURHAM
Sheldon D. Durham was born October 14, 1920 in Warroad, MN; he died December 8, 2005 in Los Altos. He is survived by Dorothy L. Durham, his beloved wife of 38 years, stepsons Craig Steel and Miller Steel, four step grandchildren: Ray, Lisa, Daniel and Adam Steel, a sister Shirley Scofield and nine nieces and nephews.
Sheldon was a graduate of Stanford University’s class of ’50 and Stanford Law School’s Class of ’52, a retired attorney, a member of the California Bar Association, Stanford alumni association and the Palo Alto Hills Golf Club.
Sheldon was a veteran of World War II. He started as a soldier in the Field Artillery, became a pilot in the Air Force, rose to the rank of Captain and served as an Instructor Pilot. Sheldon was credited with fifty combat missions in the central pacific, awarded five Air Medals and was twice awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross.
Sheldon enjoyed his retirement of approximately twenty years very much. He especially enjoyed his membership in the golf club as he was an avid golfer and card player and valued highly his association with his fellow members.
MARCUS DOUGLASS COUCH
Marcus Douglass Couch, long time realtor and builder on the mid-Peninsula, died on January 4, 2006.
Doug was born August 27, 1916 in Denver, CO. He spent his childhood in San Francisco where he graduated from Lowell High School. In 1940 he married Roberta Brunn Couch. After World War II he served in the Air Force and spent post war years in Japan. When he returned in the early 1950’s he moved his family to Palo Alto.
He established numerous companies. In 1948, Doug Couch General Contractor incorporated, followed by Doug Couch Realtors and Doug Couch Insurance in 1955. In 1960, Doug Couch Development and Investments was formed succeeded later by Couch Investments LLC.
From 1953 to 1955 he was president of San Francisco Homebuilders. In the 1960’s he served multiple years as the Ninth District Regional Vice President for the California Real Estate Association. In his 40-year career Doug built over 100 homes and buildings in the mid-Peninsula.
He was an active participant in the community. He taught first aid for the American Red Cross and Real Estate Finance for the Mortgage Banker’s Association. Throughout his adult life he was a member of the Palo Alto Kiwanis Club.
He was preceded in death by his wife Roberta and their daughter Susie. He is survived by his son Michael Couch, his daughter-in-law Jean and his grandchildren, Matthew of Seattle, WA and Whitney of San Francisco.
A memorial service will be held at Spangler Mortuary in Los Altos on January 20 at 3 pm. All are welcome. Donations may be given to the American Red Cross or any charity of your choice.
