Bobby Birch

Bobby Lee Birch, 89, of Bible Grove passed away at 4:23 pm on Saturday, March 25, 2023, at the HSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital in Effingham, Illinois.

Bob was born on November 10, 1933, in Effingham, Illinois, the son of Orvin and Emma (Bloemker) Birch. He married Nelda Nichols on January 16, 1953, and they shared 65 years of marriage before she preceded him in death on October 29, 2018. Bob started his career as a farmer, ran the Shell gas station in Bible Grove, and worked at the 76 Truck Stop in Effingham. He was a hard worker and dedicated to the task at hand. Bob enjoyed woodworking, and he shared this joy by helping with crafts at Bible School for many years. He loved reading his Bible, doing puzzle books, and watching the game show channel. He looked forward to Sundays and going to worship at Ingraham Christian Church.

Bob is survived by a son: Daniel (Regina) Birch of Bible Grove; 2 daughters: Debra (Danny) Kepley and Carol (Greg) Kepley both of Ingraham; 9 grandchildren: Elizabeth Jones, Emily (Justin) Rich, Keith (Alicia) Kepley, Andrea Durbin, Rachel (Justin) Thomas, Angela (Paul Meiste) Kepley, Kelly (Brooks) Thomann, Eric (Jessie) Kepley, Daniel (Lynsey) Birch; 17 great grandchildren; 4 great great grandchildren.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents; and wife: Nelda Birch.

Funeral services to celebrate Bob’s life will be held at 11:00 am Wednesday, March 29, 2023 at the McGriff Funeral Home in Louisville with Keith Kepley officiating. Burial will follow at Shouse Chapel Cemetery, Bible Grove. Visitation will be held on Wednesday morning at the funeral home where friends may call from 10:00 to 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made in Bob’s memory to the Ingraham Christian Church, with envelopes available at the funeral home. To sign the guestbook online or share a memory of Bob, please visit www.mcgriffandtriplettfh.com.