John L. Burch Sr., 67, Burch-Craft Cosntruction Co. Owner & Contractor

Born July 19, 1934 in Grantsville, WV, he moved to Lorain in 1951. He also had a second home in Phoenix, AZ. While living in WV, he graduated from Calhoun High School. He attended college in Arizona for 2 and half years.

He was the owner and contractor of Burch-Craft Construction Co. for 32 years, which he started in 1968. Prior to that he worked as a welding foreman at Fruehauf Trailer Corp. Mr. Burch Sr. was also an ordained minister and evangelist for many years primarily at Bethel Chapel in Lorain and also Arizona.

He enjoyed woodworking, his family and gardening. He also traveled for his ministry.

He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Emma Jean (nee Craig), 2 sons, Johnny Lewis Burch of Lorain and Lewis Burch of Lorain, daughters, Angela Reed of Knoxville, TN, Sherry Cantrell of Lorain, Jennifer L. Craig of Lorain, 14 grandchildren, and 9 great grandchildren, 2 brothers, Woodrow Burch, of West Hamlin, WV and Meade Clevenger of Berniesville, OK.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Eve (nee Metz) and several brothers and sisters.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, November 29, 2001 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. in the Dovin Funeral Home, 2701 Elyria Ave., Lorain where funeral services will be Friday, November 30th at 11:00 a.m. Rev. Lorri Bandagski, pastor of Bethel Chapel, Lorain, will officiate. Burial will follow in Elmwood Cemetery, Lorain.