Norman Douglas "Doug" Burch

Norman “Doug” Burch was born on July 8, 1962 in Houston, Missouri to Jerald D. Burch and Carol Burch (Marquardt). He departed this earth on September 23, 2021 in Springfield, Missouri. After moving several times throughout his childhood and adolescence, Doug enlisted in the United States Navy where he proudly served for 6 years as a fire controlman with multiple deployments onboard the USS Blue Ridge and the USS Tripoli. During his time in the Navy, he experienced many fascinating places including Yokosuka, Japan; Macau, China; Phuket, Thailand; Australia; Hong Kong and the Philippines. Throughout his travels, he experienced endless adventures and grew a deep appreciation for other cultures across the world. He was an exceptional story-teller and gifted with a sense of humor that could bring anyone to tears. Later in life, he enjoyed a successful career as a design engineer and business development manager. Doug had a passion for learning and earned several degrees including a Bachelor of Science and Masters Degree from the University of Texas (UNT) in Denton, Texas, and a 2nd Masters Degree from Southern Methodist University (SMU) in Dallas, Texas. He had a deep connection with nature and enjoyed spending time outdoors. He especially loved camping, fishing, and off-roading in his Jeep. Shortly before his untimely death, he finally bought the boat from his bucket list that he dreamed about for the last 20 years. He was an avid Kansas City Chiefs fan and ecstatic to celebrate their 2020 Super Bowl championship. He was a talented chef and took great pride in the dishes he prepared for those he loved. He was a lover of people and unique things, especially antiques. Doug was bold and never one to shy away from a challenge. If something couldn’t be done, he dedicated himself to prove otherwise. Doug was a man of many talents and there wasn’t anything that he couldn’t do once he set his mind to it. He was one-of-a-kind in this world, and his unique gifts, characteristics, and stories will be deeply missed by those who loved him. Doug is survived by his daughter Samantha, former wife (Jutta), sisters Jerilynn Poulin (Kansas City, MO) and Dana Lantgen (Willard, MO), brother Greg Burch (Liza) (Houston, TX), Aunt Jean Dirck, Aunt Sharilyn Peterson (David), Aunt Diane Redlin (Jerry), Uncle Frank Burch (Norma) (Solo, MO), Marge Simpson, nieces Jenna Hicks, Courtney & Nicollette Poulin, nephews David & Kevin Burch, great nephews Connor & Emmett Hicks, and a host of cousins. He also leaves behind a large extended family from the Price and Bagley side who immediately loved and accepted him as family. He is preceded in death by his parents (Jerald Burch & Carol Marquardt Fry), grandparents Spurgeon & Zelta Burch and Carl and Adeline Marquardt, as well as many aunts, uncles, and cousins. A funeral service will be held at 1:00 P.M., Wednesday, September 29, 2021 at Adams Funeral Home, Ozark, with Pastor Steven Mitchell and Pastor Suzanne Epperly officiating. Burial with full military honors will follow at Evergreen Cemetery, 301 E Hines St, Republic. Visitation will be from 5-7 P.M. Tuesday at Adams Funeral Home, Ozark.