Joe M. Burch

Joe M. Burch, 88, of Carbon Hill, passed away Thursday, January 19, 2012 at his residence. He was born September 23, 1923 in Nelsonville, son of the late Luther and Hazel Auflick Burch.

He retired from North American Rockwell. Joe was a decorated WWII Army Veteran and was the recipient of a purple heart for wounds received in combat. He participated in battles in Ardennes, Normandy, Northern France and Rhineland. He also received the WWII Victory Medal, American Campaign Medal and the European-African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with four bronze service stars.

Joe is survived by children, Jason Shannon Atha Burch of Carbon Hill, Carla Jim Sprott of Jacksonville; Betty Jo Roger Gambrel of Nelsonville; twelve grandchildren and numerous great grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Betty Hickman Burch; his second wife, Hazel Christian Burch; a daughter, Jackie Smith; brothers, Dean, Jimmy and Luther Burch and a sister, Betty Preckler.

Military Graveside services will be held 12 noon, Sunday, January 22, 2012 in Greenlawn Cemetery New Addition, Nelsonville, with the Combined Color Guard officiating. No visitation will be held. Arrangements are by Souers-Cardaras Funeral Home, 46 Fayette St., Nelsonville.

Please sign his online guestbook at www.cardaras.com