John Candis Burch

A Life Well Lived

John Candis Burch was born on January 11, 1931 to Ethel Smith and John Randy Burch in Miami Florida.  He was one of seven children (five boys and two girls). 

John met Alberta (Red) Napier in Sunday school in 1948 and courted her for 3 years, until they married March 28, 1951 and were together for a total of 71 years. 

John and Alberta proudly lived their lives as part of the United States Air Force, during which time they welcomed 4 children. 

John and Alberta ensured that wherever he was stationed his family would be with him, this included but was not limit to tours in Japan (2), Turkey, Washington D.C., Ohio and Illinois.  As a family they served our country for 23 years until he retired in 1974 at the rank of Master Sergeant at Mather AFB in California.

After retiring from the Air Force, John obtained his Bachelor’s degree in Parks and Recreation from California State University.  John worked for the city of North Las Vegas Parks and Recreations for 9 years before transitioning into a career with the US Postal Service.

John loved sports and began his career of officiating of 1956.  He continued officiating throughout his life which included basketball, softball, volleyball and football both in adult and children’s leagues. His sons followed in his footsteps and continues his legacy to this day.

Family was extremely important to John, he never forgot where he came from, and he traveled back to Miami annually until January 2018.  John’s family and friends describe him as a gentle, strong man who was easy going and loved to joke around. He was also a person who was always willing to help others and loved his wife more than anything. 

John is survived by his beautiful wife, Alberta, his children Sherry, Jeff (Kathie), Russell (Kimberly) and Suzette (John), two grandchildren Brandy (Joshua) and Christopher (Alexa), sisters Edith and Esther as well as a host of cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.  He was preceded in death by brothers, Barfield, Garfield, Richard and Buddy.

Friends are welcome to attend a Memorial Service at 11:00 am on Wednesday, January 18 at the Mayhew Baptist Church, 3401 Routier Rd., Sacramento, burial will be private.