Gerald Wray Birch, 87, Sedalia, went home to be with the Lord October 8, 2009 at Bothwell Regional Health Center.
Mr. Birch was born October 5, 1922, in Syracuse Missouri, Morgan County. He was the son of Anna Pearl Birch Wisner. On May 27, 1944 in Tipton, Missouri, he married Ruth Laverne Cobb, who preceded him in death
on July 9, 2000. He attended school in Syracuse and graduated in 1940.
He was a member of First Baptist Church, Sedalia for over 65 years. He taught the Junior boys class in Sunday School and then was the Director of Adult 2 Sunday School. He was Ordained as a Deacon January 13, 1963 by Rev. J.R. Wallace. He served on many committees and he was an Usher and door greeter welcoming people into the worship center with a warm handshake and a friendly smile for over 60 years.
He worked for Union Biscuit Company for 5 years before going to Montgomery Wards in September 1952. He received a 25 year certificate July 29, 1973. He worked at Montgomery Wards for almost 40 years.
He enjoyed spending time at his cabin on the lake, fishing and traveling with his wife and family. He enjoyed woodworking and made many things for family members. He also enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Survivors include his daughters: Cheryl Keeting and her husband Lee; and Linda Allcorn, of Sedalia; Brenda Parker and her husband David of Aurora, Co; and a son: Larry Birch and his wife Linda of Lee’s Summit, Mo; seven grandchildren: Don Keeting and his wife Angie of Lee’s Summit; Michael Birch and his wife Ginger of Lee’s Summit, Mo.; Michele Hackett and her husband Aaron of Lee’s Summit, Mo.; Joshua Parker and his wife Stephanie of Centennial, Co; Kristina Parker of Aurora Co.; Kristen Allcorn and Zachary Allcorn of Sedalia, Mo.; and two great grandsons: Jackson Keeting and Alex Keeting of Lee’s Summit, Mo. Other survivors include, a very special aunt: Gladys Mais of Higginsville, Mo; and one sister-in law: Melva Dean Cobb of Tipton, Mo. He was preceded in death by his wife Ruth Birch; mother Anna Pearl Wisner, and two half-brothers: Elmer Wisner and William Robert Wisner.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, October 12, 2009, at First Baptist Church, with Dr. Drew Hill officiating.
Pallbearers will be his Grandsons: Don Keeting, Michael Birch, Josh Parker, Zachary Allcorn, Aaron Hackett.
Honorary pallbearers will be his Granddaughters: Michele Birch, Kristina Parker, Kristen Allcorn, Angie Keeting, Ginger Birch, and Stephanie Parker, and Great Grandsons Jackson Keeting and Alex Keeting, and First Baptist Church Deacons and their wives.
Burial will be in Highland Sacred Gardens Cemetery.
The family will receive friends Sunday from 2:00 until 4:00 p.m. at Heckart Funeral Home.
The family suggests memorial contributions to the First Baptist Church.
In his memory and spirit, have lunch with a friend or take a walk in the woods.
