Obituary of David Brian Coutcher

David Brian Coutcher left this world to be with his Heavenly Father on Sunday, October 31, 2021. David was known by many names - Dad, Brother Coutcher, Deputy Coutcher, Big Dog, Pop Pop, and most notably Santa Claus. Was he the real Santa? Well let’s just say, he was “as real as they get” and “as real as we believe him to be.”

David Coutcher was definitely as real as they got. He was a real great father, friend, mentor, and Godly man. David enjoyed many things in this life, but he found the most joy surrounded by his family.

David was preceded in death by his father, Harold Coutcher and his mother and step-father, Dena and Ray Bruton.

He is leaving behind his wife of 39 years, Juanita Coutcher; children David A. Coutcher, Levi Coutcher (wife Lyricke), Kathryn “Katie Pickle” Cripps (husband Travis Cripps); grandchildren Caleb Coutcher and Bryan and Piper Cripps; step-mother Erlene Coutcher; siblings Cheryl Cook (husband Stan), Scott Coutcher (wife Jayme), Jeff Bruton (wife Debbie), Ray Bruton (wife Kim), Bobby Bruton (wife Debbie), and Barbara Whitcomb (husband Howard); Glen Scott (wife “Sam”), Billy Scott (wife Teressa), Rodney Scott (wife Robin), and Laura “Jellybean Eyes” Scott, and a plethora of cousins, nieces/ nephews, friends, and children that he had impacted through his time as a DARE teacher, youth leader and, later in life, Santa Claus.

Celebration of Life services will be held in both Lebanon, Missouri and Monroe, Louisiana. The service in Lebanon will be held on Friday, November 5, 2021 at 10 o’clock in the morning at Christ Fellowship (380 South Washington Avenue, Lebanon, Missouri). The Monroe Celebration of Life will be held at the Apostolics of Monroe (5919 Desiard Street, Monroe, Louisiana); time TBA.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you either make a donation to Shop with a Cop; a reputable children’s charity; or make this Christmas special for a child in need.