Richard "Dick" Burch

MANSFIELD - Richard "Dick" Burch, 78, of Mansfield passed away at 1:38 a.m. Saturday (May 24, 2025) at home surrounded by his family.

His funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Friday, May 30, at Calvert-Belangee-Bruce Funeral Home, 106 N. Main St., Farmer City, with Chaplain Kevin Copeland officiating. Burial will follow in Blue Ridge Township Mansfield Cemetery, Mansfield. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, May 29, at the funeral home, followed by a Masonic service at 7 p.m. 

Memorial donations may be made to the Champaign County Humane Society, 4003 Kearns Drive, Champaign.

Richard was born on July 8, 1946, in Springfield, a son of Claude and Vina (Grant) Burch. He married his high school sweetheart, Linda Mattingly, in 1964. She passed away in 1981. He later married Joan Allman on Aug. 14, 1981, in Mahomet.

Richard is survived by his wife, Joan Burch of Mansfield; five children, Jim (Wendy) Burch of Mansfield, Brenda (Bobby) Groves of Mahomet, Kenny (Kara) Burch of Florida, Rich (Burns) Van Pelt of Alabama and Paul Van Pelt of Champaign; 11 grandkids; six great-grandkids; and his sister Nellie Burch. He is also survived by his longtime best friend, who he considers a brother, Jack McNary.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Claude and Vina Burch; sister Linda Corwin; and great-grandson James Burch.

Richard grew up in Arcola, lived in Mahomet several years and then resided in Mansfield.

He owned and operated Burch Garbage Service and later worked construction through Union Laborers Local 703 out of Urbana.

Richard was a member of Mahomet Masonic Lodge 220 and the Danville Consistory.

He loved boxing, riding and caring for horses, motorcycles, camping, hunting, sprint-car racing, dogs, telling stories and making practical jokes with friends. He was a longtime member of the Hen House coffee club, and he always enjoyed a good cigar.

Richard will always be missed by his family and friends.