WILLIAM (BILL) ERNEST BURCH IV

1937-2017

William Ernest Burch IV (Bill), a 47-year resident of Houston’s Memorial area, passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 30, 2017, at the age of 80. Bill was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on October 1, 1937. After high school he immediately joined the U.S. Army and served two tours, earning the rank of Specialist in the Military Police. After discharge from the Army, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree from San Jose State and later a Master’s Degree in Accountancy from the University of Houston, as well as CPA and CMA certifications.

Bill had two full careers in his lifetime. He first spent 27 years in finance and accounting with Shell Oil Company, followed by fifteen years as an accounting professor at Houston Community College, where he was active in the Faculty Senate and where he met his wife Linda at the copy machine.

Bill is survived by his loving wife of 23 years, Linda Kana Burch; his children, Cyndie McNamee and her husband John of Houston; William Burch V and his wife Shirley of San Diego, CA; and his stepchildren whom he always loved and treated as his own: Brian Ritchey and his wife Christy of Houston, and Lisa Ritchey of Houston. He is also survived by his grandchildren William Burch VI, Henry Burch, Braden Ritchey, and Randall Ritchey; his first wife Diane Miller Burch of Houston; and numerous nieces and nephews. Bill was preceded in death by his father William Burch III, his mother Rachael Lindberg Burch, and his sisters Mariel Burch and Susan Lindberg.

Bill was a longtime member of St. John Vianney Catholic Church, where he served as choir director for several years. He enjoyed activities and friendships developed in the church’s fellowship group for couples, Honeymooners at Heart. He was a voracious reader, especially of military novels, and he enjoyed musical theater, the Rockets, and the Sugar Land Skeeters. In his retirement the computer occupied much of his time, from Facebook to genealogy, but his favorite hobby was traveling. Bill and Linda traveled to over 100 countries, and his favorite mode of travel was by cruise ship. He loved to be pampered!

Bill possessed a unique sense of humor that made everyone laugh, and one never ever knew what he was going to say next. He was known for his quick wit, warmth, and love for small children. Seldom did a baby pass without a little attention from Bill. He was a loving husband and father and completely devoted to Linda. He lived by the motto of leaving a place better than he found it, and those who knew him and whose hearts he touched are better for having known him.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 6, 2017, from 5 to 7 p.m. followed by a vigil service at Memorial Oaks Funeral Home, 13001 Katy Freeway. A memorial Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, December 7, 2017, at 10:30 a.m. at St. John Vianney Catholic Church, 625 Nottingham Oaks Trail. Inurnment with full military honors will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in Bill’s honor be made to the Salvation Army, Social Service Ministries of St. John Vianney Church or the charity of your choice.