Longtime Ash Grove funeral director Birch passes from scene at 81

Jimmy Birch, a pillar in the community of Ash Grove, passed away on July 15 in his home. Birch, 81, owned and operated Birch Funeral Home in Ash Grove on East Main Street for decades. He was the Past Master of Masonic Lodge #100 and a military veteran, stationed in Vietnam.

Birch lived in Ash Grove much of his life providing funeral services to many over his time there. He also owned a furniture store in Ash Grove, which closed years ago. Birch participated in the local police force and the fire department where he served an untold number of citizens in the community.

Birch also put his experience as a mortician to use in the cleanup following the Hardin Cemetery disaster of 1993 where hundreds of bodies were washed out of their grave due to a flood.

Birch, who was held in high-esteem community wide, was someone to be counted on, whether as a police officer, fireman, volunteer, funeral director, charitable supporter or just a good citizen. For more information see page 4 for a full obituary.