Wayne Elden Birch

Wayne Elden Birch, born August 10, 1936, making nearly eighty-six turns around the star we call the sun, Wayne Eldon returned home to the open arms of his Heavenly Father on May 2, 2022.

Waiting there to greet him were his parents, Marjorie Eva Birch and his dad, Elden Clark Birch along with his two closest friends his brothers Eugene Archie and Gerald Dean and many other friends.

He was born at home in Burley, Idaho where he grew up. He was very active in hunting and fishing while he was young.  At age 18, he enlisted in the Air Force and spent those years working on the jet engines. He was discharged in January 1958. After serving his country, he returned home and enrolled in the Idaho State College where he attended advanced welding courses.  He graduated with honors and was a certified, card-carrying member of the Boiler’s Union.

After working at various establishments, he started his own welding business. He later started work at Ore Ida (now McCain’s) and worked there for 28 years before retiring.

He was a very accomplished gunsmith.  He donated an extensive gun collection to the Rupert History Museum. He was a lifetime member of the NRA, International Brotherhood of Boiler Makers, Iron Ship Builders, Blacksmiths, Forgers and Helpers.  He was a state brand inspector for the State of Idaho and a Water Use Supervisor for Minidoka County.

Thanks to Highland Estates for the wonderful care they gave to him while he was living there.  Thanks to the Intermountain Hospice ladies for their kind care of him.  Thanks to Dr. Romney for his care of Wayne.

He is preceded in death by his parents and two brothers.  He is survived by two sisters, Thayona M. Burnett and Frieda K. Flowers; two nieces and three nephews.

A viewing for family and friends will be held at Morrison Payne Funeral Home from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 10, 2022 followed by a graveside service at 11:30 a.m. at Gem Memorial Gardens in Burley.  Services are under the direction of Morrison Payne Funeral Home in Burley.

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