David Oscar Burch

David was born on November 30, 1925, in Detroit, Michigan; one of 3 children of Doris and James Burch.

He graduated from St. Cecilia's High School in Detroit, Michigan. He enlisted in the Army Air Corp (Air Force) at the age of 17 and was called up 16 days after his 18th birthday. David served with the 486th Bomb Group from an airbase in Sudbury, England during WWII. He flew 22 missions as a tail gunner on a B-17 over strategic targets in Germany as part of the 8th Air Force. He was honorably discharged in 1945. He was awarded two Bronze Stars, the Air Medal and two Oak Leaf Clusters for meritorious achievement under heavy bombardment in Europe. Four years later, he graduated with an Engineering Degree from the University of Detroit. He married the love of his life, Shirley, in 1950. In 1960, they moved to Dallas, Texas where they raised their 5 children. They were married for 66 years when she passed away in 2016.

After graduation from college, he worked for Ford Motor Company on the central staff of Plant Engineering. He then became the general manager of a steel fabricating company before relocating to Dallas in 1960 where he was employed with Mullen & Powell Structural Engineers before opening his own firm, Arnold and Burch. He worked at his own firm for 20 years, then worked with Clary Corporation before retiring to Cedar Creek Lake where he continued to work freelance as a Structural Engineer out of his home into his 80s. David loved his work as a Structural Engineer and for several years he was registered as a professional engineer in all of the 48 contiguous United States.

David was very active in his community and church. He was a 3rd Degree Member of the Knights of Columbus. He and Shirley were among the founding families of St. Jude Catholic Church located in Gun Barrel City, Texas, and volunteered many hours serving the church. He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He served on the East Cedar Creek Fresh Water Supply District as a board member for 8 years, 4 of those as president. Shirley and David were active members of the Coast Guard Auxiliary on Cedar Creek Lake for 30 years. They spent many hours, day and night, on safety patrols, on search and rescue missions and on radio watch coordinating water operations over the marine radio. He enjoyed being an instructor, teaching water safety to elementary school children and boaters.

David and Shirley loved to travel, to meet people all over the world, to learn their customs, explore new cities, and try new food.

David was very proud of his family and loved hosting large family gatherings at the lake. He enjoyed being kept updated on everyone’s accomplishments and interests.

David is survived by his 3 sons, Michael (Frances), Patrick (Joan), Daniel (Josie), and his 2 daughters, Colleen Reynolds and Kelly Curtis (Mike), his 16 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild.