The David A. Couch Memorial Scholarship Fund honors David A. Couch, who passed away on December 16, 2001, from Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), otherwise known as Lou Gehrig's disease. Couch was a Parkersburg businessman and served as Wood County Commissioner from 1996 until 2000. During his lifetime, he was involved in many community service organizations, including the Nemesis Temple of the Shrine, and he served on the United Bank Board of Directors and was active at St. Andrews United Methodist Church. Couch also served as co-grand marshal for the 2000 Relay for Life sponsored by the American Cancer Society.

In 2000, a fund was established with Our Community's Foundation in Dave's honor to help fund research into ALS and provide for the financial needs of others afflicted with the disease. In 2004, friends and family of Dave Couch created an additional fund - a scholarship - in his memory. The David A. Couch Memorial Scholarship provides support to students from the Foundation's service area who are pursuing a course of study in massage therapy or physical or occupational therapy, with preference to students studying massage therapy. Preference is given to a student who has a personal commitment to service to individuals whose lives are affected by ALS or other neuromuscular or disabling diseases, as evidenced by volunteer or community service.

This scholarship will enable Dave's memory to live on by supporting students who want to help others who live with neuromuscular diseases.