Columbus, NC -- Robert "Bob" Matthews Murch, 83, of Morgan Chapel Village, Columbus, NC died, Thursday, August 30, 2007 at his home.Born in Hamburg, NY, he was the son of the late Wilfred M. and Bertha Prentiss Murch. He grew up in Midland, MI and married his wife of 56 years, Luella A. Whitney in West Springfield, PA. They raised four children in Maryland before coming to Polk County in 1994 from Brinklow, MD. Bob received a BS degree from the University of Michigan, a MS degree from Penn State University, and a PhD from the University of Wisconsin. He was a veteran of WWII, having served in the US Navy from 1942 - 1946 in the Pacific Theatre. Mr. Murch was a research chemist with Dow Corning and W.R. Grace. His recent activities included Board Member and Tuesday Crew member of The Thermal Belt Habitat for Humanity, Homework Study Center, Big Brothers/Big Sisters Organization, active in the Polk County Democratic Party and the Second Wind Hall of Fame. He was an avid bridge and tennis player and was a member of the Thermal Belt Community Tennis Association. Mr. Murch was a member of the Thermal Belt Unitarian Universalist Fellowship. He was a Humanist and lived his life with principles of hard work, self-determination and the betterment of his communities. Surviving are: his wife, Luella "Lou" Whitney Murch His children, Donald Murch and wife Sarah Hake of Bolinas, CA; Margaret Murch and husband Roger Burk of Seattle, WA; Bruce Murch and wife Nancy Murch of Cincinnati, OH; and James W. Murch of Reston, VA. One brother, Donald P. Murch of Erie, PA. Also surviving are 6 grandchildren, Kater, Mickey, Diedre, Samuel, Cecilia, and William. Memorial services will be held on Saturday, October 13, 2007 at 2:00 P.M. in the Tryon Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall with Rev. Jean Rowe officiating.In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Big Brothers Big Sisters, 301 N. Trade St., Tryon, NC 28782 or Habitat for Humanity, 132 N. Trade Ave., Landrum, SC 29356 or to Hospice of the Carolina Foothills, 130 Forest Glen Dr., Columbus, NC 28722.
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