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William Ernest Burch IV (Bill), a 47-year resident of Houston's Memorial area, passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 30, 2017, at the age of 80. Bill was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on October 1, 1937. After high school he immediately joined the U.S. Army and served two tours, earning the rank of Specialist in the Military Police. After discharge from the Army, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree from San Jose State and later a Master's Degree in Accountancy from the University of Houston, as well as CPA and CMA certifications.
Bill had two full careers in his lifetime. He first spent 27 years in finance and accounting with Shell Oil Company, followed by fifteen years as an accounting professor at Houston Community College, where he was active in the Faculty Senate and where he met his wife Linda at the copy machine.
Bill is survived by his loving wife of 23 years, Linda Kana Burch; his children, Cyndie McNamee and her husband John of Houston; William Burch V and his wife Shirley of San Diego, CA; and his stepchildren whom he always loved and treated as his own: Brian Ritchey and his wife Christy of Houston, and Lisa Ritchey of Houston. He is also survived by his grandchildren William Burch VI, Henry Burch, Braden Ritchey, and Randall Ritchey; his first wife Diane Miller Burch of Houston; and numerous nieces and nephews. Bill was preceded in death by his father William Burch III, his mother Rachael Lindberg Burch, and his sisters Mariel Burch and Susan Lindberg.
Bill was a longtime member of St. John Vianney Catholic Church, where he served as choir director for several years. He enjoyed activities and friendships developed in the church's fellowship group for couples, Honeymooners at Heart. He was a voracious reader, especially of military novels, and he enjoyed musical theater, the Rockets, and the Sugar Land Skeeters. In his retirement the computer occupied much of his time, from Facebook to genealogy, but his favorite hobby was traveling. Bill and Linda traveled to over 100 countries, and his favorite mode of travel was by cruise ship. He loved to be pampered!
Bill possessed a unique sense of humor that made everyone laugh, and one never ever knew what he was going to say next. He was known for his quick wit, warmth, and love for small children. Seldom did a baby pass without a little attention from Bill. He was a loving husband and father and completely devoted to Linda. He lived by the motto of leaving a place better than he found it, and those who knew him and whose hearts he touched are better for having known him.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 6, 2017, from 5 to 7 p.m. followed by a vigil service at Memorial Oaks Funeral Home, 13001 Katy Freeway. A memorial Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, December 7, 2017, at 10:30 a.m. at St. John Vianney Catholic Church, 625 Nottingham Oaks Trail. Inurnment with full military honors will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in Bill's honor be made to the Salvation Army, Social Service Ministries of St. John Vianney Church or the charity of your choice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Memorial Oaks Funeral Home & Cemetery.
December 13, 2017
Charles Newton
Great guy... liked seeing him in Faculty Senate. He will be sorely missed.
December 10, 2017
Cyndie, Bill--sorry for the loss of your father--and Diane, sorry for the loss of your children's father. It sounds like he had a full and happy life with Linda and it must be rewarding that you all have stayed connected to each other. -- Marjorie du Chelas
December 10, 2017
Carroll Satterfield
Sorry to have missed the service. Be assured of my prayers for a friendly guy.
December 7, 2017
Angela Fries
Cyndie ~ praying for peace and comfort for you and your family.
December 7, 2017
Pam Pettijohn
My condolences to his family and friends.
Corinthians 13:7-8: Love knows no limit to its endurance, no end to its trust, no fading of its hope; it can outlast anything. It is, in fact, the one thing that still stands when all else has fallen.
December 6, 2017
We have loved Bill for many years, and will keep him in our hearts forever. God be with you all. Nila and Dick
December 6, 2017
Mary Moreno
My deepest condolences on your lose.
Lambda Alpha
December 5, 2017
Cyndie,
I will continue to keep you and your family in my prayers.
Glenda Goree
December 5, 2017
Annette Franklin
"Cyndie, my deepest sympathy to you and your family."
December 5, 2017
Becky Landry
Words fall short of expressing my sorrow for your loss. Wishing you peace to bring you comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your heart.
December 5, 2017
Douglas St. Onge
Dear Diane, Cyndie, William (Wym) and Linda
So sorry to hear of Bill's (your Father) passing. My wife Elaine and I have so many great memories of Bill, Diane, Cyndie and Wym when we were in the U.S. Army stationed in Germany. Those years were some of the best years of our lives. Elaine and I had so many fun times with you and you have always been a big part of our memories. Cyndie and Wym your child hood did not keep your Mother Diane and Father Bill from their travels and all the fun times we had with you. You were always a part of them.
Bill was blessed to have had two beautiful wives and families and lived a great life. We did not know Bill's second wife or family but I know he loved all of you so much.
Elaine and I did not have a lot of contact with you in later years but we also felt blessed to have known you.
Love you,
Elaine and Doug St. Onge
December 5, 2017
Douglas St. Onge
December 5, 2017
John Chen
My heartfelt condolences to you and your family during this time. Those who love us never go away. May all the sweet memories bring you comfort and support.
December 5, 2017
Bonita Farrington
Cyndie, I pray that the lovely memories and the love of those around you help get you through this difficult time. You and your family are in my prayers.
December 5, 2017
Roger Mayes
Cyndie, you have my deepest condolences for your loss. May the love and strength of your family carry you during this time of remembrance. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
December 4, 2017
Laurie Passmore
Dear Sweet Cyndie,
I am So Sorry for your loss! I cannot imagine. I pray you have many wonderful memories that will help you through this difficult time. Sending you lots of hugs and prayers, Laurie
December 4, 2017
Michael Arora
So sorry for you and your family's loss Cyndie. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
December 4, 2017
Sparkle Cephus
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
December 4, 2017
Kendra Phillips
My prayers are with you and your family. So sorry for your loss. I'm here if you need anything.
December 4, 2017
Diana Wolf
Cyndie, my deepest sympathy to you and your family.
December 4, 2017
Mark Yuran
So sorry for your family's loss. Sending many prayers and well wishes for you all in your time of need.
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Memorial Oaks Funeral Home & Cemetery13001 Katy Fwy, Houston, TX 77079
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