Thomas Gary Couturier

Thomas Gary Couturier, 64, of Bartow, FL, died Tuesday, September 8, 2009, at Lakeland Regional Medical Center. Mr. Couturier was born June 12, 1945 in South Haven, MI. Tom served in the US Army during Vietnam War as a warrant officer & helicopter pilot. He moved to Bartow 34 years ago from Winter Haven. He was Part Owner/Manager/President of Goochland Nurseries, Inc. Goochland Nurseries sold 4 years ago to Sunshine Growers where he has been the Office manager for the past 3 years. He was a member and past treasurer of Florida Nursery, Growers & Landscape Association. Past President FNGLA Lake Region Chapter, Past President of Horticulture Research Institute. He was also a member of the City of Bartow code enforcement board. He was preceded in death by his parents Alton John and Annette Couturier. He is survived by his wife of 36 years Patricia "Pat" Couturier of Bartow. Son-Robert Scott and wife Courtney Couturier of Tampa, Daughter-Shannon and husband Jay Carlton of Valrico, Sister-Mary Ellen Baker of Winter Haven, brother-Alton Couturier of Hawaii, Three Grandchildren Abby & Shelby Carlton and Harper Couturier, Several nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends Friday, 9/11/2009, at Whidden-McLean Funeral Home from 5 to 7 pm. The Service will be held Saturday, 9/12/2009, at First United Methodist Church of Bartow at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers contributions to Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation, 10 W. Broadway Suite 700, Salt Lake City, Utah 84101 or favorite charity of your choice.