William Hobart Burch Jr., 90

William Hobart Burch Jr., 90, of Lake Lure went to live with his maker Wednesday, April 8, 2014, at his residence.

He was born to the late William and Agnes Burch, July 5, 1923, in Fowler, Kan..

William graduated from Fowler High School in 1941 and attended Kansas State University, Kansas University and Ohio State University and received his Medical degree from the Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine in 1950. He married Kathleen Imel in 1958 and lived in Bave until 1959 when they moved to Lake Lure.

William served in the US Army during World War II, as a conscientious objector, from 1942 to 1946. William was a regimental surgeon with the 82nd Airborne Division and during the Korean War from 1951 to 1953.

William started his medical service to the community in Hickory Nut Gorge in 1953 and moved to the current location in Lake Lure in 1987 where continued to practice medicine until he retired in March 2014.

William was an active community member in the Lake Lure, Chimney Rock and Hickory Nut Gorge communities and was instrumental in forming the fire and rescue volunteer services that are in place today.

He is preceded in death by his first wife Elaine Hershey, daughter Patty Lee Hass and son William Scott Burch.

Dr. Burch is survived by his wife, Kathleen; and two children Robin Elaine Parton of Rutherfordton and Jo Marple of Weaverville. He is also survived by four grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.

Services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, April 11, 2014, at the Church of the Transfiguration with the Rev. Robert Mugan officiating. The family will receive friends after the committal service.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting memorials be made to the Church of the Transfiguration Building Fund, P.O. Box 130, Bat Cave, NC 28710.

An online register book is available for family and friends by visiting www.thosshepherd.com

Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors is in charge of arrangements.