Ian Birch

Mr. Ian Birch, 25, of Bossier City, La., formerly of Paxton, Ill., died Thursday, April 4, 2013, at LSU Medical Center in Shreveport, La. Born April 21, 1987, in Urbana, Ill., he was the son of Michael and Carla Patterson Birch. He grew up in Paxton and moved to Arkansas in 2002 and to Louisiana in 2005. He attended Paxton-Buckley-High School and graduated from Manila High School. He was an administrative department manager at Lowe's. He was also a member of the First Lutheran Church in Blytheville and enjoyed dancing, gardening, flowers, music and animals. He loved the outdoors, especially hiking and camping, and always looked forward to getting together with his family.

He was preceded by his maternal and paternal grandfathers.

Mr. Birch leaves his husband, Steve Rainwater;

His mother Carla (and Jason) Eddings of Blytheville;

His father Mike (and Julie) Birch of Grayslake, Ill.;

Two sisters, Brittany Weller of Edwardsville, Ill., and Tory Genzel of Blytheville;

One brother, Christopher Birch of Rantoul, Ill.;

His maternal grandmother, Connie Patterson of Paxton, Ill.;

His paternal grandmother, Patricia Birch of Ludlow, Ill.;

His in-laws; and

A number of other relatives.

Funeral services were held Thursday at Baier Family Funeral Services in Paxton, Ill, with the Rev. Bob Rasmus officiating. Burial followed at Glen Cemetery in Paxton, Ill. The family received visitors Wednesday at Family Funeral Services.

Memorials can be made to the Champaign County Humane Society.