Obituary of Howard N. Birch

Sedan - Howard N. Birch, 91, went to sleep in Jesus on March 25, 2009 at Chanute, Kansas. He was born June 26, 1917 near Weyburn, Saskatchewan, Canada to Nels and Mamie Birch. He lived several places, including Chicago, South Milwaukee, and Mission, Texas. He was growing grapefruit in the Rio Grande Valley before deciding to further his education at Keene, Texas. There he met Effie Fisher, and they later married on July 13, 1946 at Stanley, New Mexico. Then they attended Union College in Lincoln, Nebraska, from where they both graduated. Two daughters were born to them: Linda and Beverly. He was an educator in the Seventh-Day Adventist school system, teaching in elementary and boarding academies in several states, including Texas, Missouri, Minnesota, and Georgia. They retired to a country setting in 1982 and enjoyed bird-watching, mowing the yard, and family gatherings. His hobbies also included gardening, music, poetry, and pencil-sketched artwork. He claimed that he did know swear words, however there was never any evidence. He loved his family and prayed for them often: Wife-Effie; Jim, Linda, and J.C. Lynch; Steve and Beverly Tasche; Nathan, Estella, Kai, and Adolyn Ruggles; along with many others. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Lester, and sister, Ruby. Graveside Services will be held on Wednesday, April 1, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. at the Greenwood Cemetery in Sedan, Kansas with Pastor Brian Baierl of the Chanute Seventh-Day Adventist Church officiating. The family has requested that the casket be closed and no visitation will take place at this time. In lieu of flowers the family has suggested memorials to the Sedan Seventh-Day Adventist Church and can be left in care of David W. Barnes Funeral Home, 209 N. Douglas, Sedan, Kansas 67361.