Robert "Bob" Berch

Robert "Bob" Elisha Berch went home Thursday November 20, 2025. His final days this side of Heaven were spent hunting, sitting on the front porch at the farm, and playing with great grand babies.

Bob was born in Copiah County, MS on January 30, 1956 to Jack and Betty Berch. He grew up in Hazlehurst, MS with his 3 siblings Bill, Jimmy, and Susan. There was a lot of love in that little house on Pineview. He later settled down in that same little house with his wife Ann, with whom he shared 40 years of love, laughter, tears, and above all fun. Whether it was trips and dinners with friends, a weekend at the farm with grands, or family dinners and celebrations, they made every moment count. He loved God, family, friends, and westerns. He knew the meaning of a hard days work. He spent over 20 years working for MDOT as a concrete specialist, from which he retired in 2022. He devoted his time to service as a deacon in his church. He had faith that the Lord was present in his daily life and would guide him through anything he faced. On a piece of paper in his home he had written the definition of faith. Faith: to have complete trust or confidence in someone. His confidence was in Jesus Christ.

To quote one of his favorite actors, "courage is being scared to death, but saddling up anyway." - John Wayne. Bob saddled up because he knew the Lord was riding alongside him.

Jeremiah 17:7-8 (ESV)

Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit."

Bob was preceded in death by his parents Jack and Betty Berch, Wife Ann Berch, brother Jimmy Berch, Step-son Louis Lightsey and great grandson Barrett Lightsey.

He is survived by his brother Bill Berch (Sharon), sister Susan McDonald, Step-son Bruce Lightsey (Susan), daughter in-law Linda Lightsey, Grandchildren Ben Lightsey, Olivia Bridges, Chris Lightsey, Paige Randall, and great grandchildren Annie Lightsey, Trey Bridges, Ellie Randall, Jameson Randall, Evie Lightsey, and Jocie Lightsey, as well as several nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.