Melvin Lee Burch

Melvin Lee Burch passed away May 11, 2025 at the age of 72. Melvin was born to Pauline Katherine Hess Owen Burch and Clarence Benton Burch Jr. in Taft, Texas. He graduated Taft High School and went on to serve in the United States Navy. After the Navy he retuned home where God placed his lovely wife of 37 years Carolyn Lee Harwell in his life. They settled down in Petronila, Texas where they farmed and raised their family together. His pride and joy was his family and making memories with them. He was so happy to be able to spend the last 12 years farming alongside his son Curtis. He loved to travel and enjoyed being part of the community. He served on the Petronila City Council and the Violet Water Board for a number of years.

He is survived by his wife Carolyn Burch, has daughter Courtney Burch Rippert (Mat), his son Curtis Lee Burch (Taylor), his grandsons Colton Melvin Rippert, Cooper Melvin Burch, his granddaughters Caelyn Marie Rippert, and Lynlee Margaret Burch. His sisters Beverly Whitmire & Geraldine Villa, his brother James Burch (Jan), his mother in law Chris Smith, his brother in law Randy Harwell (Lori), and many nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Pauline Burch; his sisters, Charlotte Gingrich, Martha Salter, and Betty Burch; his brothers, Johnny Burch and Billy Burch; and his granddaughter, Caroline Madison Rippert.

Visitation will be held at Sawyer George Funeral Home, Sunday, May 18, 2025, from 3 pm to 6 pm. Services will be held at First Baptist Church, Monday, May 19, 2025 at 10:30 am. Burial to be held at a later date on, June 6, 2025 at 11 am at Coastal Bend State Veterans Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to First Baptist Church or the charity of your choice.

Pallbearers will be Bryan Burch, Andy Burch, Richard Gingrich, Austin Harwell, Jaxson Burch, Austin Burch, Cayden Burch.