Kurt Loring Barch

Kurt Loring Barch 76, passed away at his home in Woodstock, Georgia on Monday May 30 (DOA at Northside Cherokee Hospital, Canton, Georgia). Kurt is survived by his wife of 51 years, Susan, his daughter Katrina (Iuliia), his son Andrew (Angela) and his grandsons Liam and Connor. He is also survived by his four brothers, Erich (Judy) of Florida, Robin of Columbus, Karl of Ashville, and Doug (Becky) of Florida. Kurt was born in Columbus, Ohio on February 16, 1946, the middle of 5 sons to Charles and Mildred Barch. He attended Whetstone High School in Columbus, before moving to Florida and graduating from Marianna High School in 1965.

Kurt attended Chipola College in Marianna briefly after high school before joining the United States Air Force in January 1966, where he was trained as an airplane mechanic and was assigned to SAC (Strategic Air Command). He completed two tours of duty during the Viet Nam War on the island of Okinawa at Kadena Air Force Base, working on and supporting B-52 bombers and the KC-135 refueling tanker aircraft. He was honorably discharged in October 1969. He used to tell people that he was a decorated veteran. When they appeared suitably impressed he would tell them he got the Good Conduct Medal. That would give them a laugh.

After leaving the Air Force Kurt attended Tallahassee Community College and then went on to Florida State University where he completed a degree in Criminology in 1972 with a minor in History. He worked for some time after that with the Florida Parole and Probation Commission before attending and completing his law degree at Capital University Law School in Columbus, Ohio in 1978. Kurt returned to Florida and practiced law in numerous capacities during his career of over 30 years, including private practice and various positions with the State of Florida, including the Florida State Attorney General Criminal Appeals Division. He retired from law in 2011.

Kurt was an avid reader – nonfiction, mostly historical – and a history buff. He had a lifelong love of travelling, all over the US and the world, and loved spending time with his family. He enjoyed attending high school reunions for both Whetstone and Marianna High Schools.  In his younger years he loved fishing. He even played a little golf, but he was obviously no Tiger Woods, so he eventually gave it up. He played on various church softball and flag football teams from time to time. He loved hiking and hiked several sections of the Appalachian Trail, some with Andrew, some with Susan and some by himself. He always wanted to be on the go. Unfortunately, his health gave out and he was no longer able to do the outdoorsy things anymore. He still loved reading and developed a passion for watching old tv shows, particularly the detective shows and westerns, film noir movies and Sven Ghoulie’s horror show on Saturday nights. He will be greatly missed by his family.

Visitation will be on Friday, June 10 from 5:00 – 7:00 at Oliver-Cheek Funeral Home, 420 W. Main Street, Ashville, Ohio. Graveside Service with Military Honors will be held at 11:00 a.m. in Fernwood Cemetery in Lockbourne, Ohio. Flowers are not necessary. If you plan to attend the service, feel free to dress casually since it is outside. If you have a comment to make or a story to share, we would love to hear it.  Online condolences at olivercheekfuneralhome.com

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