Paul Birch, Jr., 67, of Mattoon, Illinois passed away at 8:15 a.m., Monday, February 1, 2010 at his home, surrounded by his loving family.
Funeral services honoring Paul's life were held Wednesday, February 10, 2010 at Broadway Christian Church with the Rev. Greg Sexton and the Rev. Kevin Wolfe officiating. Burial was in the Ingraham Cemetery, south of Dieterich. Schilling Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Mr. Birch was born January 9, 1943 in Flora, the son of Paul and L. Maxine (McGee) Birch Sr. He married L. Karen Workman on January 31, 1963. Mr. Birch earned a bachelor's degree in mathematics from the University of Illinois and a master's degree from Northwestern University. Mr. Birch was a member of Ingraham and Broadway Christian Churches. He taught at Mattoon Junior High for 30 years. He was later employed as a quality control engineer for Howell Asphalt. Mr. Birch loved travel, reading and collecting antique books. He enjoyed raising cattle on the centennial family farm, cutting and selling firewood, and raising Indian corn in his large garden.
Mr. Birch's six grandchildren were his pride when they skated on his pond, rode on the tractor, or pet baby calves. He taught Sunday School and was an elder at Broadway Christian Church.
Mr. Birch is survived by his loving wife, Karen Birch of Mattoon; his two daughters, Lisa Renee (Dr. Jeffrey) Crowell of Effingham and their children McKenzie, Taylor, Jeremiah and Camryn; and Stacy (Terry) Turowski of Rochester, NY and their children Emma and Sophie; and his mother, Maxine McGee Birch of Ingraham.
He was preceded in death by his father, Paul Birch, Sr. and his sister, Connie Sue (Birch) Sperry.
In loving memory of Mr. Birch, memorials may be made to Broadway Christian Church, Lincoland Hospice or American Cancer Society.
