Jerry M. Birch

Jerry Birch age 68 of Farmington was welcomed into his heavenly home on May 23, 2014 after his valiant two year battle with cancer. He was born May 31, 1945 at Downey, Calif., the son of James Glen and Dorothy Helen Woods Birch. Jerry was a Member of the First United Methodist Church of Prairie Grove where he was very active in the youth's ministry and Missions. He was a 1963 graduate of Lincoln High School where he was an all-star Basketball, Football, and Baseball player. He served four years in the National Guard. After college he played Minor League baseball and later fast pitch softball. He coached Girls Softball at Farmington for many years. He was an avid hunter, fisherman and golfer. He retired from Barnhill Poultry in 2005. He loved his family and especially his grandchildren with whom he spent many special years. He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister, Norma Nichols, one nephew Michael Curtsinger, and one step son Lance R. Bottom. Survivors include his wife Shelia K. Birch; two daughters, Kelly Penn and husband Ernie and Karen Whitfield all of Farmington. One brother, James Birch of Little Rock; two sisters, Dorothy Powell and husband Bruce and June Garriott-Daniels all of Fayetteville. Four grandchildren, Alexis Beasley, Matthew Thomas, Jordan Bottom, and Kylan Whitfield. A Celebration of his life and Memorial Service will be held Saturday, May 31, 2014 - 11:00 A.M. at the Prairie Grove United Methodist Church with Matthew Johnson officiating. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials be made to the Jerry Birch United Methodist Church Scholarship Fund (1401 East Parks - Prairie Grove, AR 72753). Honorary Pallbearers will be Rick Gregory, Troy Lola, Jim Ferguson, Jim Pickett, Bud Phillips, Mike Remington, and Wade Thomas. Online guest book, www.luginbuel.com.