Clarence Elton Birch, Jr. passed away peacefully in his sleep on Wednesday, July 29, 2026.
Elton was born and raised in Salem, Virginia. He graduated from Andrew Lewis High School before attending Virginia Tech, where he was a proud member of the Corps of Cadets, and earned his Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1963. Following graduation, Elton began his career with DuPont in Richmond, Virginia. It was then that he met the love of his life, Edi Lasher, who was attending Sweet Briar College. They married and shared 62 wonderful years together. After his time at DuPont, Elton proudly served on active duty in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, stationed at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. Following his military service, he returned to Salem, where he became President of Old Virginia Brick Company. His career later took him to Montgomery, Alabama, with Jenkins Brick Company, and then to Selma, Alabama, where he worked for Henry Brick Company, overseeing production operations.
A man of faith, Elton devoted much of his life to serving his church communities. He was a longtime member and Deacon at Salem Presbyterian Church and later served as an Elder at Pisgah Presbyterian Church and Cornerstone Presbyterian Church in Selma.
Elton never met a stranger. Known for his warm smile, quick wit, and wonderful sense of humor, he had a gift for making everyone feel welcome. He loved golf and tennis, but nothing brought him more excitement than cheering on Virginia Tech Hokies football. Above all, he treasured time with his family and especially enjoyed traveling to visit his daughters and grandchildren. He believed in the value of hard work and led by example, instilling a strong work ethic in his daughters that continues to guide them today.
Elton was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Margaret Birch.
He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Edi Lasher Birch; his daughters, Katherine Broschart (Chris) and Suzanne White; his cherished grandchildren, Mason Broschart and Sydney White; his brother, James D. Birch (Wanda); and many beloved cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.
Elton will be remembered for his unwavering faith, his dedication to his family, his integrity, his generous spirit, and his ability to make others laugh. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched and the values he passed on to those who loved him.
A graveside service will be conducted at 2 p.m. on Friday, August 14, 2026, at Sherwood Memorial Park located at 1250 East Main Street in Salem, Virginia, followed by a celebration of life at the Salem Museum. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Virginia Tech College of Engineering Scholarship Fund in Blacksburg, Virginia, through the Virginia Tech Giving Page, or to the donor’s favorite house of worship. Online condolences may be expressed at www.johnmoakey.com.
