Arthur F Burch

Born December 25, 1937 in Pekin to William and Cedona (Webb) Burch, he married Clara Thomason on March 10, 1973 in Pekin.

Surviving are his wife; three sons, Murl (Marilyn) Smith of Manito, Randall (Judy) Logsdon of Bishop, Georgia, and Richard (Colleen) Logsdon of Mapleton, two daughters, Debra (Rick) Jackson and Sandra Emmert, both of Manito; twelve grandchildren; sixteen great-grandchildren; one great-great-granddaughter; one brother, Henry (Linda) Burch of Manito; one sister, Stella Bollegar of Pekin; and a daughter-in-law, Lisa Logsdon of Terre Haute, Indiana.

Art was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved son, David Logsdon; one sister, Lucille Callaway; two brothers, Thomas and William Burch; and one son-in-law, Wally Emmert.

He last worked as a heavy equipment operator at Pekin Hardwood for 11 years, retiring in 1997.  Previously, he had worked 13 years as a foreman in the transport station at Keystone Steel and Wire Company (retiring in 1978), several years as a mechanic at Bob Murphy Ford in Morton, and many years at Jack Hymbaugh Chevrolet in Pekin.

Art was a member of Good Shepherd Baptist Church in Manito.

He enjoyed woodworking, hunting, fishing, camping, NASCAR, working on his sons cars and teaching them all he knew.

Art was extremely proud of his children and grandchildren.  He enjoyed spending time with his family, friends, and his cat, Ginger.

His funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, February 29, 2012 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin.   The Rev. John Worsham will officiate.  Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to Harbor Light Hospice, 3000 North Main Street, Unit C, East Peoria, IL 61611 or Good Shepherd Baptist Church, 33530 East County Road 2180 North, Manito, IL 61546.

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com