Conrad Lamar Burch Sr.

Mr. Conrad Lamar Burch Sr. was born on September 20, 1930, to William Earl Burch and Julia Ann Griffith Burch in Wayne County, North Carolina. He was a Tom Sawyer-like character--cunning, imaginative, playful, and despite his mischief, had a good heart and strong moral character.

Conrad grew up on his family’s farm in North Carolina during the Great Depression, opting to sell the family’s produce and hone his gift of gab to avoid working in the fields. He had a talent for outplaying competitors at games, especially Checkers and Setback, and he had a spirit that strangers gravitated towards.

Conrad attended Brodgen High School and enlisted in the Army as soon as he turned 18. At age 20, Conrad married the love of his life, Molly Gray Burch, during the Christmas break of her senior high school year, and they spent 72 wonderful years together.

His 21 years of military service took him to a variety of locations, stateside and abroad, eventually leading him to Colorado. He volunteered for the Airborne for extra pay to provide for his growing family until a training accident ended those ambitions. While in Pusan, Korea, Conrad donated food to war and orphaned children. The Bidulgi Home School praised him for his actions while engaged in military affairs for the peace of Korea, commending him for “his heart, sacrifice, and noble nature.” During his active duty years, Conrad completed his GED; worked as a Kitchen Supervisor and Cook; endured Atomic Bomb testing in Nevada, and was awarded two purple hearts for wounds received in action in Vietnam before retiring as Sergeant First Class. Conrad then spent an additional 20 years in Federal Civil Service at the US Air Force Academy as a Cook and Baker.

Conrad enjoyed camping trips to his favorite fishing locations. He enjoyed warm summer evenings with Molly, sitting on their large front porch. He was happiest playing card games, cooking, baking, and swapping stories. Conrad and Molly loved hosting family, friends, and neighbors--all were welcome in the Burch home.

Conrad passed away at home, surrounded by loved ones, on the evening of Saturday, December 23, 2023, at the age of 93. He was under the incredible care of his son, Eric, with support from his daughter, Heidi, and granddaughter, Kayla. Not only is the entire family grateful for their loving care, but also for the professional care that Conrad received from the many angels at Colorado Palliative & Hospice Care of Colorado Springs (three years) and Amada Senior Care (six years).

Conrad is survived by his five sons, Lamar (Polly) Burch, Richie Burch, Gary (Janet) Burch, Johnny (Martha) Burch, and Eric Burch, all of Colorado; his two daughters, Tammy Burch of North Carolina and Heidi (Ken) Coburn of Colorado; his daughter-in-law, Kristie Marie Mahler (Timothy) of Colorado; 9 grandchildren, numerous great-grandchildren; his sister, Margaret Ann (Eugene) Holloman, of North Carolina; his loyal therapy dog, Petey, and countless honorary family members.

Conrad was preceded in death by his wife, Molly; son, Timothy Bart Burch; daughter-in-law, Theresa (Richie) Burch; his parents, William and Julia; brothers, William David Burch, Haywood Earl Burch, and James “Jimmy” Griffith Burch; sisters Johnnie Bell Potocnik and Infant Burch.

Mr. Burch’s life will be celebrated with a committal service at noon on Wednesday, January 10 at Pikes Peak National Cemetery. Flowers are welcome, or memorial gifts may be made to Care and Share Food Bank for Southern Colorado (careandshare.org | Mailing Address: 2605 Preamble Pt, Colorado Springs, CO 80915).