Hugh Ivan Birch

CHARLESTON - Hugh Ivan Birch, 84, died peacefully at home on November 12, 2024.

Hugh was born on February 20, 1940 in Charleston, IL to Robert Arnold and Vera (Wheeler) Birch.  He attended High School in Artesia, NM and enlisted in the Marine Corps in On March 10, 1958.  Hugh's service from 1958-1964 included:  3rd Marine Division 1st Marine Brigade in the Fleet Marine Force in Hawaii; 7th Fleet in South East Asia including Vietnam, Okinawa, Laos, Formosa and Japan as a Refrigeration Mechanic in the Support Service Battalion.  He remained a proud Marine his entire life.  Semper Fi!

After his time in the service Hugh was busy working in the Air Conditioning Trade and being a dad to his three children from his first marriage.  Hugh's family and work took him to and from Charleston, IL and New Mexico throughout his life.  While in Charleston he owned and operated Birch's Sales and Service with branches in Charleston, Mattoon, Shelbyville and Sullivan; Co-owned Birch & Walker Heating and A/C in Charleston.  In Albuquerque, from 1982-1998, he worked for several A/C contractors, then went on to own and operate C&H Refrigeration Heating and A/C with branches in Albuquerque and El Paso. Hugh was talented at everything he tried.  He was known as "Mr. Fix-it" to many.  From a young age he was curious about how things worked and could be found taking things apart.  He was a lifelong learner and enjoyed passing on his knowledge to others.  He was always willing to help with any mechanical or construction projects.  Hugh loved music.  He played lead guitar and sang with many local bands over the years

Hugh married Carol (Pence) Birch in on August 4, 1982.  They lived a full and active life in Albuquerque, NM working, camping, hiking, fishing, skiing and travelling.  When they moved back to Charleston in 1998, Hugh enjoyed being close to family, raising livestock, building and spending time on their farm properties.  In 2019 they came full circle and moved again back to New Mexico, where they loved the climate and scenery of the west.  In retirement Hugh and Carol loved travelling and exploring 387 National Parks Units.  Hugh always had a project to do or someone to go visit.  He liked staying active.   He was a lifelong member of the Charleston VFW #1592 and Charleston American Legion #93.  When not travelling he took part in the Honor Guard for both organizations.  He joined the Marine Corps League in Albuquerque in 2023.  He also had a passion for Habitat for Humanity and was involved in many house builds in Coles County.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Robert A. Birch, Jr. and brother-in-law, Ed Warren.

Hugh is survived by his wife, Carol, married 42 years and his children, Charles Ivan Birch, Albuquerque, NM; George (Glenna) Birch, Charleston, IL; and Susan (Scott) Kohn of Mattoon, IL.  He especially enjoyed seeing his children grow into successful, independent adults and was very proud of each of them.  Hugh is also survived by his grandchildren Brandi White (Andy), Kathleen White Asbell (Seth), Benjamin White (Ashley), great grandsons Carson Augustine and special namesake great grandson on the way.  Being called grandpa were some of his favorite moments in life.    Hugh also leaves behind a brother Jim (Carolyn) Birch and sister, Sue Warren; sister in law Marie Birch, and 'outlaws' Bill (Kathleen) Pence, Ed (Diane) Pence, Mike (Trish) Pence, John (Sandy) Pence, and many nieces and nephews.  'Uncle Hugh' was a favorite at any family gathering. He loved his nieces and nephews dearly. Hugh has a large extended family of aunts and uncles and cousins that were a big influence in his life as well.  Hugh never met a stranger and was well liked by anyone who met him.  He also leaves behind many dear friends and a legacy of giving and sharing joy to those he encountered.

Sincere and heartfelt thanks to High Desert Hospice; the ALS Clinics at both the VA Medical Center in Albuquerque and UNM Neurology Dept.  They all provided compassionate and outstanding personal care that guided us through Hugh's ALS journey.  They became like family to us.  We are forever grateful.

His graveside Memorial Service with military rites will be held Sunday, December 8, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. at Mound Cemetery in Charleston IL .  Arrangements: Caudill-King Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, gifts in Hugh's memory can be made to the Honor Guard of Charleston VFW #1592; Honor Guard of American Legion #93; Habitat for Humanity Coles County Chapter; or the Jerry Murphy Marine Corps League Det. 381 in Albuquerque, NM.