PAUL BIRCH

Paul Birch, age 82, of Columbia City, IN and resident of Naples, Fl in the winter, passed away at 3:30 a.m. Thursday, March 17, 2011 at his Florida home.Born in Noble County, IN on March 21, 1928 he was the son of Lawrence and Lucille (Snell) Birch.

He graduated with the Class of 1946 from Wolf Lake High School.He served in the United States Army from 1954-1956.On November 24, 1956 he married Karin Sontag in Columbia City.A general farmer since the age of 9, he also worked for Etna-Troy School and Whitley County Consolidated Schools for approximately 20 years.Although he was an avid gardener and enjoyed traveling, especially to the Colorado mountains, his family was his greatest joy.

Survivors include his wife of 54 years, Karin Birch of Columbia City; daughter, Becca Yann of Palm, PA; son, Ethan Birch of Fort Wayne; 4 grandchildren, Marissa Yann, Kristen Swick, Davion Jones and Keithan Birch; 4 great-grandchildren, Veronica Yann, Christina and Zelda Duckett and Jacob Swick. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Robert "Bobby" Birch.

Memorial service is Saturday, May 14, 2011 at 3 p.m. with one hour of visitation with the family prior to service at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City.Paul's family invites those attending the memorial service to a reception immediately following the memorial service in the DeMoney-Grimes Community Room.Private family burial in Christian Chapel Cemetery, Merriam. Memorials may be given in memory of Mr. Birch to the American Red Cross please designate the tornado victims of Alabama or Georgia or VITAS Hospice Care.Envelopes are available at the funeral home.