Morris Scott Burch
Morris Scott Burch, 92, died Dec. 4, 2015 at the Good Samaritan Society in New Underwood.
“Obituaries are usually sand written in sand. I wish mine to be brief and factual for those who may have known me and the few who called me friend and did not look at their watch at my funeral. I had no claim to fame.
Beloved of parents, Otis M. and Lillian (Owens) Burch, I was born Nov. 17, 1923 at Dixon, S.D., a homestead town 20 miles east of Winner. Elementary education was at Dixon and high school days were spent at Rapid City, graduating with the Class of 1941. I served honorably in the Navy during WWII and again during the Korean Conflict. Let it be said I was grateful to my government for financing my education and said thank you each April 15.
In 1972, I married Josephine Lillemoe at Sioux Falls, whom I met during college days at Northern State Teachers College in Aberdeen in 1948. My teacher college education took me to California where I taught math at Roosevelt High School in Los Angeles, retiring in 1980. We returned to our roots in South Dakota and built our own home near Custer. Ham radio was a hobby I enjoyed for many years and held the call WAGJRY.
Survivors include my wife, Jo, New Underwood; one niece, Kathleen Kane, Pasadena, Calif.; two nephews, Charles and David Burch of Massachusetts. I was preceded in death by my parents; one brother, William J. Burch, EE Mines ’42; and one sister, Harriet M. Kane USC Pharmacy. There will be no viewing. I was the last of 13 cousins; never arrested or audited by the IRS.” Morris S. Burch
Graveside services were Friday, Dec. 11, at Pine Lawn Memorial Park Chapel of the Whispering Pines in Rapid City, with Pastor Terry Pulse officiating.
A memorial has been established to Thru the Bible Radio Network, Pasadena, Calif., or the charity of the donor's choice. Friends may sign Morris’ online guestbook at www.kirkfuneralhome.com.
