Colin Foote Burch, Jr., 89, of Sterling, VA and formerly of Avenue, MD, died June 19, 2008 in Sterling, VA. Born December 18, 1918 in Washington, DC he was the son of the late Colin Foote and Harriett Dent Burch.

He was the loving husband of Audrey Weibel Burch whom he married on December 31, 1943 in San Antonio, TX. He is also survived by his children Colin F. Burch III and his wife Sandy of Wake Forest, NC, John S. Burch and his wife Susan of Trujillo Alto, Puerto Rico, William M. Burch and his wife Patricia of Alexandria, VA, Rebecca B. Anzelone and her husband Ronald of Herndon, VA and Barbara A. Burch of Memphis, TN, his sister Harriett B. Duke of Annapolis, MD as well as eight grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his brother Walter D. Burch.

A 1940 graduate of Virginia Polytechnic Institute, he received commission as an officer in the Army Air Corps (US Air Force). He served in a variety of assignments in flight instruction and installation management including overseas assignments in Japan and Hawaii. He later received post graduate training in electronics engineering at the Air Force Institute of Technology in Dayton followed by assignments in defense communications and ballistic missile development. Retired as Colonel USAF in 1961, he then worked for private firms in defense communications. He later served as Chief Electronics Engineer for the US Coast Guard. He received numerous decorations and commendations throughout his career including the Legion of Merit and the Air Force Commendation Medal.

He retired to his family farm in Avenue, MD for over twenty years, before moving to retirement communities in Northern Virginia. He belonged to the Southern Maryland Society and the Military Order of the World Wars, served on the Vestry of All Saints Episcopal Church, and enjoyed sailing and wood working.

A funeral service will be held on Monday, June 23, 2008 at 10:30 AM in All Saints Episcopal Church, Avenue, MD with Rev. Kathleen Price officiating and Pastor John S. Burch co-officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. Pallbearers will be Colin F. Burch III, William M. Burch, Ronald J. Anzelone, Colin F. Burch IV, Andrew R. Burch and John McAuley.

Contributions may be made to All Saints Church, P.O. Box 307, Avenue, MD 20609 and/or the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 1032, Lexington Park, MD 20653.

Arrangements provided by the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, P.A.