Gary William Burch, born Feb. 6, 1947, to Foster and Nellie Burch both of Morgantown, passed in his home on Feb. 28, 2022. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Tewana “T.J./Janie” Burch; sons, Bryan Burch and wife Heather, and Jason Burch and wife Stephanie; step-grandsons, Casey and Logan Merrill; and grandson, Wesley Burch. He is also survived by his siblings, Nelson and Sue Burch, Fred Burch and Willis and Sherry Burch, along with several nieces and nephews and great-nieces and nephews.
Gary met his wife, Tewana Jane Anderson, on a blind date on May 23, 1970, got engaged on Oct. 23, 1970, and married on Dec. 23, 1970.
Gary went to Wiles Hill Elementary, Suncrest Jr High and graduated from Morgantown High School in 1965. He played in the band, worked on cars and enjoyed cub scouts and baseball as a kid. After graduation, he and his best friend, Earl Strang, enlisted to join the service as U.S. Navy Seabees. During their service, they served two tours in Vietnam from 1968-69. Gary was part of the Mobile Construction Battalion 53. Gary and Earl both came home to an ungrateful country for which he fought. After his service, he joined the Carpenters Union, where he helped build the Cumberland Mine in Kirby, Pa. After its completion, he remained there with the UMWA, where he retired after 30 years.
Gary is a Life Member of the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 306 in Morgantown, where he served as president for several years and other officer positions as well. He helped the chapter organize fundraisers (Buckwheat and Forest Festivals) to collect items for veterans in rest homes and the VA Hospital. He was also a life member of VFW Post 548 of Morgantown, volunteering his time to the “Honor Guard” to salute fallen soldiers and their families.
He was a member of the Disabled American Veterans and received a certificate in 2017. He was a committee member for “All Veterans Parade” in April 2009 and received a certificate, participated in Post Deployment Health for the Veterans Community Board in 2014, volunteered at the VA Clinic in Westover from the day they opened until 2018 and received the certificate and medal from the Department of Veterans Affairs Volunteer Services in 2017. He received the Defender of Freedom Award Certificate for support of our U.S. Armed Forces in 2019. He also received a Quilt of Valor in 2016.
He was an active member and volunteer at the Community United Methodist Church, located on Grafton Road, where he participated in Kids’ Time, Bible school, and the farmers market.
He was the secretary of the Wiles Hill School Alumni Association in 2017, belonged to the University City Car Club in Morgantown to show off his 1989 98 Oldsmobile, was a life member of the NRA and volunteered for the Monongalia County Special Olympics. Gary loved helping Veterans of all ages. He enjoyed traveling with his best friends, Earl and Carol Strang, and so many other VVA chapter families. Most of all, he loved spending time with family, especially watching his grandson, Wesley, grow up.
The family will receive friends at the Fred Jenkins Funeral Home, from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. on Thursday, March 3. A pass and review will be conducted at 7:30 p.m. by members of the Preston County Honor Guard.
Gary will lie in repose at the Community United Methodist Church, Grafton Road, from 10 a.m. until the time of services at 11 a.m. on Friday, March 4, with the Revs. Lawrence Rebelo and Brad Bennett officiating.
Gary will be laid to rest at the WV National Cemetery, Pruntytown, with military rites conducted by members of the Taylor, VVA Chapter 306, Monongalia County Honor Guards and the U.S. Navy Honor Guard, Mid-Atlantic.
The family would like to extend a sincere thank you to all of the J.W. Ruby Memorial Cancer Center staff and to Amedisys Hospice staff. Special thanks to Emily, Misty, Sara, Pastor Wendy and special aides.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in memory of Gary to the Morgantown Vet Center,
34 Commerce Drive Suite 101, Morgantown, WV 26501, and/or Community United Methodist Church, 1966 Grafton Road Morgantown, WV 26508.
Condolences:
www.fredjenkinsfuneralhome.com
