Rodney Allen Burch

VINTON — Rodney Burch, 81, passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, Feb. 19, 2016, surrounded by his family. He was born in Sicily Island in North Louisiana on May 23, 1934. When the war started his family moved to Orange, Texas, to work at a shipyard. Later they moved to Vinton where they made their home.

In 1952, Rodney graduated from Vinton High School. In 1953, he married Lula Navarre before entering the Army National Guard. Rodney went to work in construction as a heavy equipment operator. He later worked at W.R. Grace for 15 years. Rodney completed courses in landscape and horticulture. He then opened Vinton Nursery Inc. which he ran for 45 years. In 1971, Delta Downs started construction and Rodney became one of the original stock holders. In 1972, Rodney built the Best Western Motel in Vinton. Later he acquired the Kings Inn Motel, Sun Rise East and Trace Apartment Complexes. His wife, Lula Burch, was his business partner every step of the way. For 25 years, he and Lula enjoyed their summers in Estes Park, Colo., spending time with his children and grandchildren, and where he developed many new friendships along the way. Rodney was a longtime member of First Baptist Church of Vinton. He was known for being hard working, fun loving and his generous spirit. He was loved by all he met and will be greatly missed.

Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Lula Navarre Burch; four daughters, Peggy Ann Fontenot and husband Kendall of Eunice, Linda Marie Walter and husband Ted of Sulphur, Diane Conner and husband Tim of Vinton, and Connie Granger and husband Richard of Vinton; a sister, Darlene Burch; 10 grandchildren, Bradley Fontenot, Amanda Lejeune, Leslie Benetatos, Roman Walter, Laura Beth Dougherty, Chase Domingue, Caleb Conner, Heather Hardin, Hayley Williford and Hunter Hardin; three great-grandchildren, Madison, Raylee and Luca and longtime dedicated employee and friend of over 40 years, Ivory “Papa Lou” Janice.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ellie and Gretchen Crawley Burch and two sisters, Sandy and Gloria.

Funeral service will be 10 a.m. Monday, Feb. 22, 2016, at First Baptist Church of Vinton. The Rev. Bobby Daniel and the Rev. Rob Tibbitts will officiate. Burial will follow in Mimosa Pines South Cemetery in Sulphur under the direction of Hixson Funeral Home of Vinton. Visitation will be 5-8 p.m. Sunday at the church.

The family would like to express their appreciation to the dedicated caregivers.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the General Fund of The First Baptist Church of Vinton.

Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.hixsonfuneralhomes.com.