June 10, 1922-June 7, 2002 Noel Burcham was born in Miller, Ohio, son of George Coleman and Jessie Varnum Burcham. He married Ruth Dutey Burcham on January 16, 1943, in Meridian, Mississippi. From there, he left for overseas duty in North Africa and Italy, and following his discharge in October of 1945, returned to Ironton to rear his family.

Noel is survived by his widow, Ruth, his son and daughter-in-law, Michael and Linda Burcham; and his daughter and son-in-law, Susan and Richard Heyard. He had six grandchildren -- Noel Markins, Bart Burcham, Mark Vass, Mike Burcham, Melissa Schreck and Kristin Burcham. He had four great-grandchildren -- Ali and Conor Markins, and twins, Nolan and Riley Schreck.

Noel's parents and three siblings preceded him in death -- Georgia Lea, Andrew Burcham and Margery Little. He is survived by three brothers and one sister -- Vincent Burcham of Arcadia, CA; Victor Burcham of Gasquet, CA; Jonbil Burcham of Franklin Furnace, OH; and Eleanor Mays of Columbus, OH, along with a host of loving relatives and friends.

He was a member of Sharon Baptist Church and an avid fan of the Ironton Fighting Tigers. Calling hours will be held at the Tracy Brammer Funeral Home on Monday evening from 5:30 to 8 p.m., and Noel's funeral service will be conducted by Pastor Steve Harvey at the funeral home on Tuesday afternoon at 2 p.m. Burial will be in Zoar Cemetery in Coal Grove. Pallbearers will be his grandsons, Bart, Mike and Mark, Toben Schreck, Nephew Jim Dutey, and friend, David Lawless.

The family suggests in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Sharon Baptist Church at 2010 South Fifth Street, Ironton, Ohio, 45638; or to Community Hospice at 1538 Central Ave., Ashland, Ky. 41101.