Robert E. "Bob" Couhig

Robert E. ("Bob") Couhig died early Thursday morning at his home in Baton Rouge. He was 97. Couhig and his wife, Marcelle ("Nootsie") Reese Couhig, were pioneers in bringing the tourism industry to the Felicianas. In 1962 they opened Fairview Plantation, a restaurant and gift shop, in an historic home in West Feliciana. It later burned. In 1966 they opened Asphodel Village, one of the first B&Bs in the state. The East Feliciana complex drew hundreds of thousands of visitors each year to enjoy their well-regarded restaurant, gift shop and overnight accommodations. Couhig, who developed the modern pest control industry in the South, at one time served as manager of Orkin Pest Control for Louisiana, Arkansas and east Texas. In 1959 he relocated the primary Orkin office from New Orleans to Baton Rouge. The Couhig family purchased Asphodel Plantation, located near Jackson, for their new home. Couhig left his position with Orkin in 1965, and in 1967 started his own company, Couhig Pestaway, also based in Baton Rouge. He grew the firm into one of Louisiana's largest pest control companies. He was active in business into his mid-80s. Nootsie Couhig died in 1986. The two were married for 37 years. Couhig, a long-time resident of East and West Feliciana, was the father of West Feliciana Parish President Kevin Couhig. Couhig's other children include daughter Owen Couhig Kemp, St. Francisville; son Rob Couhig Jr. (wife Michelle), New Orleans; and son Mark Couhig (wife Linda), Sequim, WA. His stepson, former State Rep. Sam A. LeBlanc III, resides in West Feliciana with his wife Noelle. Stepdaughter Marcelle Hickey lives in New Orleans. Couhig had 14 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren. Calling hours will be held at the St. Francisville home of Rob and Missy Couhig (4363 LA Hwy. 966) from 5 - 8:30 p.m. Friday, May 30, and from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m., Saturday, May 31. All are welcome. A private ceremony and interment will be held at the family cemetery at Asphodel Plantation Saturday afternoon.