Ivan Butler Burch

Ivan Butler Burch, 91, peacefully entered into the presence of his Savior on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, in Arlington, Texas.

Born on May 1, 1934, in Webb, Texas, Ivan was the son of Garland Ray Burch and Georgia Ann Power Burch. He was the third of four siblings, with two older sisters, Mary Joyce Benedict and Ramona Jean English, and one younger sister, LaNeda Anne Walker.

Ivan graduated from the original Arlington High School and began his career at the Consolidated Aircraft Plant. He later devoted 40 years to the 136th Combat Support Squadron of the Texas Air National Guard, serving as a photographer and videographer. He retired with the rank of Master Sergeant and was honored with the prestigious Minute Man Award for his creative contributions to military presentations.

A gifted craftsman and problem solver, Ivan could fix or build nearly anything—cars, cabinets, or even entire home additions. His creativity extended to woodworking, painting, and designing more efficient ways to get things done. He was known for his mechanical intuition and an unwavering willingness to help others.

Photography was both his profession and passion. A true “shutterbug,” Ivan loved capturing life through a lens and spent countless hours in his darkroom. He also had a lifelong love for westerns, mystery novels, Dick Tracy comics, and early rock ’n roll.

Ivan’s faith was the foundation of his life. Raised in Webb Baptist Church, he later became a dedicated member of First Baptist Church of Arlington, where he worshipped and served faithfully. His relationship with Jesus Christ was central to everything he did.

On September 7, 1956, at age 22, Ivan married the love of his life, Priscilla Bratcher. For nearly 69 years, they built a life rooted in love, faith, and family. Ivan was a devoted husband, a patient and supportive father, and a deeply loved grandfather and great-grandfather.

He found great joy in simple things, family road trips, quiet days at home, and celebrating Christmas surrounded by loved ones. He never turned down a meal made by Priscilla and ate everything she prepared with sincere appreciation.

Ivan was preceded in death by his parents, his three sisters, and his beloved son, Randy Burch.

He is survived by:

• His loving wife, Priscilla Burch
• Daughter, Kathy Cullen and husband Andy
• Daughter-in-love, Deann Ware
• Grandchildren, Hannah Cullen Wisniewski and husband Jacob, and Jack Cullen
• Great-granddaughter, Addison Cullen-Henry
• Nephews, Stephen English and family, and Brian Walker

The family is especially grateful for the compassionate care Ivan received over the last two years from the devoted staff at Brookdale Memory Care in Arlington and Vitas Hospice Services.

A faithful servant, creative soul, and gentle heart, Ivan's legacy of love, service, and quiet strength lives on in all who had the joy of knowing him.