George Franklin COUTS

COUTS

Posted By: Sharon R Becker (email)
Date: 11/19/2010 at 13:35:12

Omaha World-Herald
Omaha, Nebraska
Wednesday, July 7, 2010

COUTS' TALENTS WIDELY KNOWN
by Sue Story Truax, WORLD-HERALD Staff Writer

George COUTS was a presence in Omaha's arts community for more than 30 years. He was a jewelry maker, musician, composer, graphic artist, recording engineer and performer.

"What a compassionate, humble man he was," said Frieda REID, a longtime Omaha friend.

George Franklin COUTS died June 28 at Bergan Mercy Medical Center of kidney failure, Reid said. He was 63.

As a jewelry maker, he worked at Goldsmith/Silversmith in Omaha's Old Market, REID said.

As a graphic artist, she said, he designed album covers for blues and jazz singer Etta JAMES, Omaha musician Tony PFLUG, Omaha group Mannheim Steamroller, Omaha musician Spike NELSON and blues musician Jerry FORNEY of St. Joseph, Mo.

For recordings worldwide, he provided guitar accompaniment, she said. "Mostly he accompanied singers with his music," REID said.

Fellow musicians worldwide have offered tributes to COUTS on his obituary guest book at Omaha.com.

COUTS had bachelor's degrees from the University of Missouri at Columbia and from Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville. He served in the Navy during the Vietnam War, REID said.

COUTS' survivors include sons Cody and Caleb, both of Mount Ayr, Iowa.

A memorial service tentatively is planned for Labor Day weekend in Missouri, where COUTS was born and raised, REID said.

* * * * *

OBITUARY - GEORGE FRANKLIN COUTS
May 31, 1947 - June 28, 2010

George Franklin COUTS, gifted artist, musician, recording engineer and Vietnam Veteran, died peacefully in Omaha, NE.

He was born May 31, 1947 in Bigelow, Missouri.

Survivors include his wife Virginia and her son Jacob, sons Cody COUTS and Caleb COUTS; and their mother Lenora (Lisa).

Special friend and fellow musician, Jerry FORNEY, will be organizing a MEMORIAL SERVICE in the near future. Date, time and place to be announced. At that time, George's ashes will be scattered upon the 'Little Farm' as he wished.

Sincere thanks to George's music family at i-compositions.com for all the love and support. Our sympathy to his computer buddy, Tom in N.Y., all the 'Little Farm' family, I-comp partner Donna, Jerry, Herb PETTY, Lee NIGH, Spike NELSON, Bill FARBER, Tim BUCKLEY, Frieda and children, Will and Jennifer. Caregivers Shawn and Verdene.

All share deepest sympathies and Love.

Rest in Peace, Geo. We will remember you.

Transcriptions by Sharon R. Becker, November of 2010