Alvin LeRoy Birch, 79, of Waterloo, formerly of Mt. Zion, and Marco Island, Fla., passed away peacefully on June 27, 2015, with his family at his side, into God’s hands.

He was born July 7, 1935, son of the late Victor and Eunice Birch of Atwood.

He married the former Martha Marie Harshbarger on Aug. 13, 1955; she preceded him in death on July 21, 2008.

After graduating from Atwood High School, Al started his communications career in Champaign.

He joined McKeever Communications in the early 1960s, ultimately becoming vice president. Upon retiring in 1990, he spent winters on Marco Island, Fla., where he enjoyed boating, golfing and long walks on the beach. Throughout the years, he enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping, golf, softball and attending his children’s and grandchildren’s sporting events. He was an avid St. Louis Cardinals and Illini fan.

As a member of Prairie Avenue Christian Church in Decatur and United Christian Church of Marco Island, Fla., he served in several capacities. He was a longtime member of the Atwood Masonic Lodge #651, AF&AM. He was also a member of the Marco Island Sail and Power Squadron.

He is survived by his children Susan (Don) Naumann of Waterloo, Gary (Jill) Birch of Carmel, Ind., and Todd (Michelle) Birch of Arlington Heights; grandchildren Lindsay (Collin) Moore, Kyle (Alisha) Moore, Joel Birch, Laura Birch, Angie (James) White and John (Lorrie) Naumann; and 11 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers; Lloyd, Robert, Donald, and sister Charlotte.

Visitation will be July 1, from 4 to 7:30 p.m., at Hilligoss Shrader Funeral Home, Atwood, with masonic services at 7:30 p.m.

The funeral service will be July 2, at 10:30 a.m., at the funeral home, Pastor Mike Drake officiating.

Interment will follow at Lake Fork Cemetery, rural Atwood.

The Birch family wishes to express their deepest gratitude for the prayers offered for Al and to the dedicated and caring staffs at the Legacy Place and Oak Hill of Waterloo.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Legacy Place, 526 Legacy Dr., Waterloo, Illinois 62298.

Online condolences to the family may be sent via hilligossshraderfh.com.