Tom Allen Burch

Tom Allen Burch, 87, of Rogers, Arkansas, passed away on May 11, 2025. He was born on October 5, 1937, in Norman, Oklahoma, to Clarence and Mary Francis Burch. He and his sister, Anne, grew up in Tishomingo, where they attended the First United Methodist Church and graduated from Tishomingo High School. Tom was a dedicated and accomplished individual throughout his life. He received a full four-year scholarship for track at Oklahoma State University, where he was a four-year letter athlete and won numerous championships, ultimately earning induction into the Hall of Fame. As a child, his lifelong dream was to become a Naval Aviator, a goal he proudly achieved. He attained the rank of Lieutenant and serve as an aircraft commander, logging thousands of hours flying multiple multi-engine aircraft, including the C-130 Hercules. Tom also devoted decades of hard work to expanding and growing the Burch Angus Ranch, which was founded by his father. Passionate about the Angus breed, Tom often credited his father with shaping its success. He served as President of the Oklahoma Angus Association and was inducted into the Hall of Fame. In 1997, the Burch herd was honored as the Historic Angus Herd. Beyond his professional achievements, Tom was an avid outdoorsman who loved fly fishing, hunting, and running a trotline on Mill Creek. One of his greatest joys was spending time with friends fly fishing at the Baca Ranch in New Mexico. After selling the ranch, Tom and his wife, Judy, retired to Beaver Lake, where he cherished time with his grandchildren, teaching them how to fish, engaging in water sports, and patiently untangling fishing lines. Later in life, Tom and his beloved therapy dog, Samantha (Sam), dedicated six years to visiting patients at Mercy Hospital in Rogers, Arkansas. Together, they lifted spirits and brought comfort, smiles, and happiness to patients, families, and staff. Tom had a deep passion for airplanes, and throughout his retirement, he built and assembled balsa wood planes, generously gifting them to family, friends, and even strangers. His friendships were lifelong, and he maintained them with great care. Everyone who knew Tom has their own special memories of him, and he will be deeply missed by many. Tom is survived by his loving wife, Judy of 59 years, and their children, Mary Ann Hicks (Bob) and Scott Burch (Chris), as well as his cherished sister, Anne Dunigan Wilson. He also leaves behind his nephews, Andrew Dunigan and Brian Dunigan, and his grandchildren, Brandon Burch, Ryan Burch, Sarah Lima, Caleb Johnson, and Elias Johnson. A graveside ceremony will be held on July 17, 2025, at 12:00 PM at Tishomingo Cemetery. Friends are invited to gather for a Celebration of Life at Events on Main in Tishomingo (215 W. Main Street, Tishomingo, Oklahoma 7360) From 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM. Donations can be made in memory of Tom to: Pet Partners, 345 118th Ave S.E., Suite 10, Bellevue, WA 98005.

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Tom Allen Burch

October 5, 1937 - May 11, 2025