Obituary of Cleburn Burch

Cleburn Burch, 78, passed away Thursday, March 22, 2018.  He is preceded in death by his parents, Wilmer and Belle Burch; his wife, Shirley Cook Burch; sisters, Lois Havard, Billie Sheffield, Tommie Rowe and Pat Kraft.  Cleburn is survived by his daughter, Regina Rieche and husband, Steve; stepsons, Ken Berss and wife, Mindy, Richie Berss and wife, Pam; step-daughter, Tamera Helms; girlfriend, Ina May Bronstrop; brothers, Ben Burch, Wayne Burch and wife, Sue; sisters, Wilma Dean Anderson, Frankie Jo Allen and husband, Joe; brother-in-law, Phil Rowe; twelve grandchildren, nine great grandchildren, his beloved cat “Sunshine” and a host of other family and dear friends.

Cleburn met Shirley in the 80’s and they married not long afterwards. They had a blended family of four children, twelve grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. They were married for over 30 years when Shirley passed away almost 4 years ago.  He had to learn a few things after Shirley’s passing, like how to cook and be alone.  He experimented first with making biscuits.  Once he found the right receipt online and carefully preparing his first batch; he called and woke up his sister Dean to come try his biscuits. Cleburn still could not get down how to make grilled cheese sandwiches because he always just put the butter on the inside and not the outside of the bread when he grilled them.  A few years after Shirley’s passing Cleburn met a very special woman.  Ina May came into his life when he really needed a companion.  She gave him a new sense of life and he was no longer alone.  They loved playing cards with friends, working in the yard and playing with their beloved cat Sunshine.  Sunshine was a stray that you could not be touched for the longest but through persistence and patience Sunshine decided to take to them. Ina May took great care of Cleburn and he did the same for her.  Ina May was with him until the end just as they had promised each other. 

Cleburn loved to garden and had two green thumbs. He always enjoyed experimental cooking with different dishes and used his fresh tomatoes. He would play cards whenever he got the chance, whether it be with his siblings once or twice a month or friends during the week. Cleburn loved camping, going crabbing, and watching the Astros. He was a jokester and loved playing pranks on his friends and coworkers. He was enthralled by space and bought a telescope to look at the sky. Cleburn loved family gatherings and adored all children especially his grandchildren. His family meant the world to him and he will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Services for Cleburn will be held Tuesday, March 27, 2018 at Clayton Funeral Home, 5530 W. Broadway, Pearland, Texas 77581.  The visitation will begin at 10:00 am and the funeral service will follow at 11:00 am with Pastor Keith Anderson officiating.   Interment will follow at SouthPark Cemetery in Pearland, Texas.