Donald E Burch

Born January 12, 1926 in Pekin to John Frank and Bonnie Fewkes Burch, he married Lura Jean Ahten on January 11, 1947 in Creve Coeur.

Surviving are his wife; 3 sons, Kevin (Andrea) Burch of Creve Coeur, Ron (Marilynn) Burch of East Peoria, Gary (Jean) Burch of Washington; 1 daughter, Sharon (John) Garls of Pekin; 9 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and 1 brother, Edmund Burch of Pekin.

Preceding in death were 1 son, Alan Burch in June 1994; 3 brothers; and 1 sister.

Don worked for Caterpillar, Inc. for 39 years, retiring in 1982 as a supervisor at the Morton facility.

He served with the U.S. Navy from 1943-46. He was a member of V.F.W. Post #4835 in Creve Coeur.

He was a founding member of the Creve Coeur Fire Department and Rescue Squad and remained active for 39 years. He served on the Creve Coeur Village Board for 12 years and also was a past member of the Creve Coeur Police and Fire Commission..

An avid fisherman, Creve Coeur honored Don by naming the "Don Burch Boat Dock and Picnic Area" after him.

He was also an avid Chicago Cubs baseball fan.

Funeral services will be at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, September 19, 2006 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Creve Coeur Chapel. Rev. Eugene A. Talbot will officiate. Visitation will be 2 hours prior to services at the funeral home. Burial will be in Lutheran Cemetery in Peoria.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Tazewell Animal Protective Society, 2675 Allentown Rd., Pekin, IL 61554.