Cecil Louis Burch, a long-time preacher in Churches of Christ, dies at 88

Cecil Louis Burch was born on June 17, 1937, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, to Leland Clarence Burch and Daphna Aretta Burch. He passed away on June 3, 2026, at the age of 88 years, 11 months, and 17 days. His life spanned a journey across several states, marked by education, service, and a deep commitment to his faith.

Burch’s early years were shaped by simplicity and resilience. He was born into a family that lived in a one-room log cabin in Northern New Mexico, where electricity was absent and the home was lit by a coal oil lamp. His transportation to school was a small brown and white Indian paint pony, which he rode to Lindrith, New Mexico, where he attended the first grade in a one-room schoolhouse. There, a single teacher instructed students from grades one through six.

The family later moved to Espanola, New Mexico, where Burch attended McCurdy School and then Espanola Public Schools. By the time he reached the 10th grade, they relocated to Moriarty, New Mexico, where he completed his high school education. The family then moved to Garden City, Kansas, where he graduated from high school.

Burch pursued higher education at Eastern New Mexico University (ENMU) in Portales, New Mexico, where he earned a double major in Bible and History. He later completed graduate work in education at ENMU and Southwestern State University in Weatherford, Oklahoma. His academic background laid the foundation for a life of service and teaching.

During his college years, Burch and his wife, Barbara Jean Arnold, worked at the New Mexico Christian Children’s Home as house-parents. In this role, he served as the printer for the Children’s Home press and trained several boys in the printing trade. He also preached for the Church of Christ in San Jon, New Mexico, demonstrating his early dedication to ministry.

Burch and Barbara eventually moved to Oklahoma, where he preached for the Church of Christ in Sweetwater and taught fifth grade in Reydon, Oklahoma, public school. One year, he taught his sister Betty, a challenging experience for both. During this time, their fourth child, Donna, was born in Sayre, Oklahoma.

The family later relocated to Hollis, Oklahoma, where Burch became the Assistant Superintendent of Westview Boys’ Home. He served in this capacity for over six years, continuing to integrate his faith with his work. During this period, he also attended the Church of Christ in H

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