Mark E. "Chuck" Burch

Mark E. “Chuck” Burch, 85, of Orange, passed away on December 16, 2020, at his home of nearly 50 years, with his loving wife, Cora Sue, by his side.

Born on October 20, 1935, in Orange, Texas, Chuck was raised in a strong, loving home that prioritized family, faith and hard work. He met Cora Sue Roberts, the love of his life, while they were both working at DuPont. They were married on November 14, 1964 and built a home in the Cove where they raised their three children.

Beginning in Maintenance and retiring as Chief Shift Supervisor, Chuck spent his working career at DuPont. Outside the refinery he was always working at other tasks which benefited family, friends and community. Chuck was always busy. He spent most of his “spare time” working alongside his brother Terrell on their rent houses. He could usually be found on his tractor, lawnmower or driveway, drinking a cup of coffee.

While Chuck was very frugal with his money, he was extremely generous to anyone with a need. Not only was tithing of his money important to him, he was well known for giving of his time and resources. He traveled to several countries doing missionary work, but everywhere he went was his mission field. Upon meeting someone new, it wasn’t long before he asked if you had a church home. He served faithfully at Cove Baptist Church, where he cared for it as if it were his own home, always searching for more family members. Serving many years as a deacon and teaching the Senior Mens Sunday School class, he helped set the steeple at least twice, took great pride in helping to maintain the property, and ministered to shut-ins, widows and anyone in need.

Another large part of his life was as a Mason in Madison Lodge No 126 AF & AM, where he served for over 50 years. As a Master Mason, he completed numerous projects, officiated many ceremonies and mentored countless Masonic candidates.

Chuck Burch has always been known as a man of integrity, able to close a deal with a handshake. He is held in high regard in his community and will be missed by many.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Inez Burch; brother, Charles Wynne Burch; and sisters, Edna Mae Burch Callahan and Mittie Burch LeDoux.

He is survived by his loving wife, Cora Sue (Roberts) Burch of Orange; children, Mark Burch, Jr and wife Leslie, of Orange; Kerri Burch Norwood and husband Allen Montgomery, of Houston; and Katherine Burch Partida and husband Neftali of Pearland; grandchildren, Korri Ayers, Christian Norwood, Lacey Burch, Marleigh McNeal, Alyssa Kelley, Isabella Partida, and Nicholas Partida; great-grandchildren, Ginger Ayers and Cade Tarver; and siblings, W.T. “Terrell” Burch and JoNell Burch Gerland.

Memorial contributions may be made to Cove Baptist Church, 1005 DuPont Drive, Orange, Texas 77630.