Arthur Lee Burch, Jr.

Arthur Lee Burch, Jr., age 62, of Dayton, TX, died Thursday, October 20, 2011 in Houston. He was born May 22, 1949 in Bryan, TX to Arthur Lee Burch and Martha Meanor Burch. Lee was a long-time resident of Tyler. He spent his formative years involved in sports, church, and Boy Scouts where he achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. He graduated from Robert E. Lee High School in 1967 and continued his education at the United States Military Academy at West Point. He earned a Bachelor of Architecture degree from the University of Texas at Austin, M. A. in Political Science from the University of Texas at Tyler, and a Ph.D. in Educational Administration from Texas AM University.
In Tyler, Lee became President of architectural firms Burch Associates and Simon, Burch, Clark, Marris. During those years, he was privileged to work alongside his dad. In 2003 he and his family moved to Houston where he was the National Community College Practice Leader for 3D/International (Parsons) and then Carter Burgess (Jacobs). Recently, Lee and his family moved to Dayton where he served as President of Burch Associates and was a Senior Consultant for MGT of America.
Lee served in leadership positions in a number of professional organizations including the American Association of Community Colleges and the Association of Community College Trustees. He also served on the Houston Community College Foundation Board. In 2004 he was recognized as the International Planner of the Year by the Council of Educational Facilities Planners. As a member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) he served on the Committee for Architecture in Education. Recently, Lee served on the Dayton Housing Authority Board. He has been an Adjunct Lecturer for numerous colleges and universities and a presenter at regional and national conferences.
Lee was a member of First Baptist Church Dayton and a former deacon at Second Baptist Church, Houston and Green Acres Baptist Church, Tyler.
A life-long learner, Lee enjoyed networking and collaboration with colleagues. The many friendships he developed through work and church were special to him. Golf opportunities were a bonus! Services for Mr. Burch will be 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, October 25, 2011 at First Baptist Church Dayton with Rev. Dale Hill officiating. Visitation will be 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., Monday, October 24, 2011 at Pace-Stancil Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Magnolia Park Cemetery in Dayton.
Lee treasured his family. He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Lea Ellen Savage Burch of Dayton; his children: Daniel Arthur Burch of Houston, Claire Ellen Burch Stiles and husband Blake of Houston, and Phillip Lee Burch of Dayton; his mother, Martha Meanor Burch of Tyler; his brothers: Brian Burch and wife Mary of San Antonio and Scott Burch and wife Lori of Tyler; his sister, Marty Burch Smith and husband Neal of Tyler; mother-in-law, Belva Savage of Dayton; sisters-in-law, Becky Savage Burditt and husband Brad of Dayton and Donna Lee Savage of Colorado; numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He is predeceased by his father, Arthur Burch; his father-in-law, Harold Savage; and brother-in-law, Bill Savage.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to First Baptist Church Dayton or a charity of your choice.