Don Louis Birch

Don Louis Birch, 85, of Jacksonville, Fla went to be with his Lord on July 19, 2017 at Catherine Laboure Manor. Don was born to Neil and Elizabeth (McKenzie) Birch in Knoxville, Tenn. on Nov. 26, 1931. He grew up in Raleigh, NC with his siblings: Neil (deceased), Fran Birch Moore, Ellen, and Robert.

Don earned his bachelor’s degree at the University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill and his master’s degree at the University of Georgia. He served in the United States Army during the Korean conflict. Don relocated his family to Neptune Beach, Fla in 1959. He was a dedicated member of St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Jacksonville Beach, Fla. As a favorite, but eccentric science teacher at Bishop Kenny High School for more than three decades, Don impacted the lives of thousands of young people. He is lovingly remembered by his former students as much for his puns and jokes; his handmade, hand-painted, and embroidered neck ties; his “Cookie Monster” imitations; his field trips to watch solar eclipses; and his huge wooden yard stick slammed against his desk as he is for his love of teaching.

Don is survived by his wife, Mary Ann, and his children LouAnne Birch Hawkins (Christopher Leone), Susan Birch Hightower (David Bersch), and Rosemary Birch Hatten (Roy) by his first wife Anne Miller Birch as well as his step-daughters, Melissa Moser (Chris) and Michelle Hughes (Chris). He was preceded in death by Anne and their sons, John Louis Birch and Roger Miller Birch. Don, beloved grandfather of Tom Romero (Rachael), Aaron Birch (Shayna Payne), Annie Hawkins (David Kenny), Wil Hawkins (Danielle), Caitlyn Hightower Neff (Ryan), Sam Hightower (Brittany), Patrick Hatten (Theresa), Spence Hatten (Taylor), McKenzie Hatten Zelenock (Nathan), Anne Hatten Brand (William), Neil Hatten, and Megan Moser, was blessed with ten great-grandchildren. The family would like to extend a special thanks to the nurses and staff of Community Hospice and St. Catherine Laboure Manor for their compassionate care.

A memorial mass commemorating Don’s life will be celebrated by Rev. James Boddie, Jr. on July 29, 2017 at 2 p.m. at St. Paul’s Catholic Church at 435 First Ave. N., Jacksonville Beach, Fla 32250. The holy rosary will be recited on July 28, 2017 at 6 p.m. at Assumption Catholic Church at 2403 Atlantic Blvd., Jacksonville, Fla 32207. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Community Hospice.

Arrangements under the direction of Beaches Chapel by Hardage-Giddens, Jacksonville Beach, FL.