Gilbert Owen Burch, Sr.

Gilbert Owen Burch, Sr., of Jamestown, passed from this life on Wednesday, October 4, 2023, at his home.  He was 79 years of age.

Owen was born in Linton, Indiana, on May 7, 1944, son of the late Gilbert M. and Dorothy Holtsclaw Burch.  He married Shirley Taylor on November 7, 1964.  There are three children born to their union.  Owen was a member of Jamestown First Baptist Church.

Owen was an instructor by trade and his teaching and leadership nature was instilled in him through all aspects of his life.  He was a former youth pastor and deacon at his church in Indiana and was a Sunday School teacher at his church in Jamestown.  Owen was a woodcrafter and loved teaching his craft to others.  He was a patient teacher and was always able to put people at ease. 

Owen was the type of person who didn’t meet a stranger and was kind and generous to everyone.  He loved the Lord and was an avid Bible scholar.  Owen took Jesus with him wherever he went and was looking forward to his homegoing and meeting his Lord.

He was a huge role model for his children and grandchildren.  Owen was a devoted husband and took excellent care of his wife.  He was a jokester who just enjoyed life.

Owen is survived by his wife of 59 years, Shirley; his son, Gilbert Owen “Bert” (and Katia) Burch, Jr., of Orlando, Florida; his daughters, Debborah (and Dudley) Pritchard, of Bell, Florida and Karen Watts, of Farmington, Missouri; his brother, David (and Mary) Burch, of Bloomfield, Indiana; his sister, Marjorie Anderson, of Bloomfield, Indiana; his brother-in-law, Frank (and Diana) Taylor, of Indianapolis, Indiana; six grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

A memorial service may be held at a later date.

Arrangements for Gilbert Owen Bunch, Sr. have been entrusted to Bernard Funeral Home.  An online guestbook is available at www.bernardfuneralhome.com

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