Carl Henry Burch, 97, of Montgomery City, passed away on Friday, March 14, 2025 surrounded by his loved ones.
Carl was born on February 13, 1928, in rural Montgomery County. Carl was the son of Harry and Lizzy (Preston) Burch. He was the last remaining child of 10.
Carl married the love of his life, Juanita Mae Higgenbotham. Together, Carl and Juanita had three sons, John, Gene and David. They raised their family in St. Louis until the mid-1970s, when they moved to Wellsville. Carl and Juanita were both members of Faith Baptist Church in Montgomery City. Their life together was full of happiness and hardships. After a long battle with cancer, Juanita passed away in October 1994.
Carl was a veteran serving in the United States Army during World War II.
Carl had many occupations. He drove a truck, worked in the St. Louis Water District and was a security guard for Hostess. After several years as a maintenance man for a large apartment complex, Carl retired. After retirement, Carl mowed the Wellsville Cemetery and helped maintain the Old Bethel and Sunrise Cemeteries.
In 2001, Carl married Melba (White) Stotler. They enjoyed long trips through the country looking for wildlife, visiting with family and friends and going fishing when they were still able. Melba passed away in 2024.
Carl was a man of few words. But when he had something to say, you listened. Up until his last day, he would look at you with that crooked grin and spout off a witty little one liner. He made everyone around him laugh. He loved seeing his grandkids, especially the little ones and they loved him.
Survivors include two sons, Carl “Gene” (Dottie), and David (Jill) Burch of Montgomery City; one step-son Dorsey (Susan) Stotler of Montgomery City; one step-daughter, Kate (Keith) Burger of Warrenton; grandchildren, Stacy Hadden, Cory Burch, Teresa Burch, Scott Burch, Chris Burch, James Burch, Adam Burch, Tauna Spencer, Jessie Spencer, Amanda Nickerson, Kimberly Melo, Marsha Layton, Nicholas Stotler, Brandi Eastman, JJ Stotler, Emily Cheney, Jessica Bryson, Jennifer List, Holly Stotler and several great and great-great grandchildren.
Carl was preceded in death by his son John Burch; two step-sons Joe and Chuck Stotler; and nine siblings, Pearl Burch, Porter Burch, Louis Burch, Robert Burch, Jim Burch, Claude Burts, Grover Burts, Elizabeth Christian and Benny Burch.
Visitation will be at New Florence Baptist Church from 2 p.m.-4 p.m. on March 21, followed by the funeral at 4 p.m.
Memorial gifts are suggested to Heartland Hospice, via Myers Funeral Home, 203 E Bates Street, Wellsville, MO 63384.
