26 January 2000

Clarence W. Burch was born to Edward F. and Alvena Kuhlman Burch on Sept.16, 1912, at Belvidere. He passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2000, at the Fairview Manor in Fairmont at the age of 87 years, 4 months and 3 days. He was one of 8 children in the family.

Red, as he was known to family; and friends attended school through the eighth grade and at the age of 16 went to work for the railroad. As a railroader he lived in many different communities but following the war was; primarily located in Grand Island and at retirement was living in York. He began by sweeping out railroad cars, later becoming a telegrapher and retiring from the Burlington Northwestern Santa Fe Railroad in. Office management.

He moved to McCool Junction and operated Red's Ribbon and Trophy Shop for almost 26 years. He was a very active Mason and was a member of York Lodge No.56, AF & AM, Meridian Shrine Club, Imperial Council of the Nobles of the Meptic Shrine, and the Sesostris Shrine.

Red was a quiet and private person who preferred small groups of people to large crowds. He loved horses and was an excellent horseman who for many years was very active in various saddle clubs. He remained at his home near McCool until failing health required that he enter Fairview Manor where he received excellent care.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Alvena Burch; a brother, Francis (Pat) Burch.

He is survived by sisters, Erma Burch of Geneva, Ethel Nelson of Omaha, Phyllis Shaffer and husband Cecil of Omaha, Bertha Ball of Superior, Berniece Helton of Ogallala and Arlene James and husband A.R. of Wichita, Kan. Also surviving are many nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were conducted at 11:00 a.m., from the Farmer & Son Funeral Home in Geneva, Saturday, Jan. 22, 2000, with Maynard Kellerman officiating. Casket bearers were Steven Garton, Dennis Garton, Kendall Garton, Bob Brooke, Marvin Swartz: and Norman Snodgrass.

Burial was in the Ohiowa Public Cemetery with Farmer & Son Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.