Dr. George Vernon Burch

Dr. George Vernon Burch, 83, of Rogers, Ark., was born Nov. 28, 1936 in Trenton, and passed March 27, 2020 in Springdale, Ark. at Circle of Life Hospice. Burch was the son of Vernon and Edna Burch. He graduated from Stoutland High School and then earned a B.S. degree in Agriculture from Missouri State University.
Burch was appointed a Reserve Commissioned Officer in the grade of First Lieutenant in the U.S Army of the United States in May of 1962. He went on to earn an M.S. in General Agriculture and an Ed.D. in Agriculture Education both from the University of Arkansas-Fayetteville.
Burch was a pioneer in vocational education serving as a teacher at Walnut Grove High School and served as both Vice President and President of Northwest Technical Institute where he retired in 2014. Burch continued to serve the NWA Community as an active member of the Springdale Kiwanis Club and other charitable organizations.
Burch was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 39 years, Dorothy Faye Burch; and his daughter- in-law, Danette Burch.
Burch is survived by his wife of 12 years, Sharon Horwart of Rogers; son, Kyle Burch (Beth) of Willard; son, Kory Burch of Willard; daughter, Kara New (Kent) of Springdale, Ark.; step-daughter, Christine Horwart (Paul Davidson) of Bentonville; and his only sibling, Wayne Burch (Jan) of Camdenton. He is also survived by five grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
There will be a private family service at St.Bernard of Clarivaux Catholic Church in Bella Vista, Ark., and private burial to follow at Wesley Cemetery in Willard. The family will host a Celebration of Life for Burch on his birthday, Nov. 28, 2020 in northwest Arkansas. The family suggests memorials to NWTI Nursing Program, 709 South Old Missouri Road, Springdale, Arkansas 72764, or the Alzheimer’s Association,alz.org.