This obituary has been added to our website as a courtesy to the Burch Family. As the obituary states, Dr. Burch was born in Jasper and he had many lifelong friends from Jasper. We will miss him and the dedication he had to his practice for so many years. He passed away at the age of 90.

The family did list an "In Lieu of Flowers" listed in the obituary.

Dr. Donald Levin Burch of Live Oak, Florida passed away on Tuesday, June 14, 2022, after a lingering illness.  Donald was born in Jasper, Florida on September 1, 1931, to Mae Louisa Saunders Burch and William Green Burch.  He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Mary Elizabeth (Betsy) Burch, and three children: Donald Levin Burch, Jr, Charlotte Burch Jones (Richard K.), and Anna Burch DeWitt (Jason); four grandchildren: Ryan Kelly Jones (Celia), Donald Levin Burch, III, Patricia Elizabeth Burch, Ansley Parker DeWitt, and one great-grandchild, Levin Kennedy Jones; brother: Jon Saunders Burch (Linda); nieces and nephew: Kay Burch Grant, James Robert Burch, Jr (Bob), Amy Burch Hallman, Kristin Burch Register, and many other nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings: Eleanor Burch Odom, William Green Burch, Jr (Bill), Jane Burch Harrison, James Robert Burch (Bob), and Katherine Burch Trowbridge.

Donald was a graduate of Suwannee High School Class of 1949, the University of Florida with High Honors (1953), and Auburn University School of Veterinary Medicine with Honors (1957). He practiced veterinary medicine in Ocala, FL before returning to Live Oak in 1962 when he purchased his own practice.

Donald practiced veterinary medicine for over 40 years, was an avid forester, and had many other outstanding accomplishments during his long life. Among them are: Director of the First National Bank of Live Oak and the Hamilton County Bank of Jasper, State President of Future Farmers of America (1949), recipient of the American Farmer Degree (1952), Representative of Florida to the American Youth Foundation Camp, member of Live Oak Rotary Club and a Paul Harris Fellow, Sons of American Revolution, President of Suwannee County Chamber of Commerce (1968), member of Florida Veterinary Association and the American Veterinary Association, organizer and president of the Suwannee County UF Alumni Association, and more recently, honored by being chosen the Suwannee County Forrester of the Year.

Donald was an innovator. He created and promoted the Suwannee County Chamber of Commerce Livestock Promotion Program, which was recognized by CBS when Charles Kuralt visited Suwannee County. He also introduced the concept of chamber work/study scholarships so students could attend college while simultaneously working part-time as chamber director. Suwannee County's own Jerry Scarborough was one of the first participants.

Doc, as he was affectionately called by many, was most importantly a Christian family man, creative leader, positive thinker, encourager, and promoter for a better quality of life in Suwannee County. He was a blessing to everyone who knew him.

A memorial service was held at the First United Methodist Church of Live Oak on Tuesday, June 21, 2022.  Memorial contributions may be given to the First United Methodist Church of Live Oak memorial fund or to Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine.

Daniels Funeral Home was in charge of immediate arrangements.