Thomas Erle Burch, age 71, of Dryden, died Fri, Aug 17, 2018. He was born Sep 4, 1946 in Highland Park, MI to Hugh “Bud” and Catherine (Harbron) Burch.
Tom graduated from Lapeer High School, class of 1964. He went on to earn his bachelor’s degree from General Motors Institute (GMI) and eventually his master’s degree from Rensselaer Institute in New York. Tom married Marilyn Julia Stock on Jun 24, 1967 at the Immaculate Conception Church in Lapeer. Tom worked a total of 37 years for General Motors- eleven years in New York State and the remainder (primarily) at the GM Tech Center in Warren. He was long time member of St. Cornelieus Catholic Church in Dryden. Tom started and was very proud of the inter-faith council in Lapeer. Together, he and Marilyn were 20 year members of the Lapeer County Concert Choir – the first two years Tom’s dad was also a member. Marilyn and Tom also started the Eastern Sky Singers, a local acapella group. Tom enjoyed winters in Naples, FL.
Tom is survived by his wife, Marilyn Julia Burch; daughters: Carrie (Michael Newcome) Stevens of Dearborn and Julia (Sean) White of Clarkston; two grandchildren: Hannah & Evan Wright; siblings: Suzanne Burch of Lapeer and David (Ronalee) Burch of Flushing. Tom was also survived by dear family friend, Jeff Stevens of Ft. Myers, FL. He was preceded in death by his parents and two infant children: Leo Hugh Burch and Catherine Marie Burch.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Cornelius Catholic Church, 3834 North Mill Street, Dryden, MI 48428.
A gathering will be held from 4 to 8 pm Tue, Aug 21, 2018 at Muir Brothers Funeral Home in Lapeer. Tom’s Memorial Mass will be 11 am Wed, Aug 22, 2018 at the St. Cornelius Catholic Church, 3834 North Mill St, Dryden, MI 48428. Father Michael Gawlowski will officiate. Tom’s family will receive friends at the church from 10 to 11 am the morning of the Mass.