Raymond D. Birch

Darrell Birch , 76, retired pharmacist of O'Fallon, Missouri, passed away at home on May 9, 2025. He was born July 29, 1948, in Decatur, Illinois, to Lloyd R. and Wanda Nicholson Birch. He graduated from Warrensburg Latham High School in the class of 1966 and St. Louis College of Pharmacy in 1971, where he was a member of Phi Delta Chi fraternity. He met a Barnes Hospital School of Nursing student, Jessie Varner, and they married on August 31, 1968, at Sharon United Methodist Church in Decatur, Illinois. After graduating, they lived in Decatur, Illinois, for 25 years, and Darrell worked as a staff pharmacist and then Director of Pharmacy at St. Mary’s Hospital. In 1995, they moved to Poplar Bluff, Missouri, where Darrell was the manager of the pharmacy at Doctor’s Regional Medical Hospital. In 2000, he became the Director of Pharmacy at Barnes Jewish St. Peters Hospital in St. Peters, Missouri. He retired in 2011. He had three children, 8 grandchildren, and 3 great-grandchildren.

Darrell’s interest in the medical field was inspired by several summers working for an ambulance service in Decatur, Illinois, and the influence of a pharmacist in Atwood, Illinois.

Darrell was a lifelong St. Louis Cardinals baseball fan and Kansas City Chiefs football fan. He played basketball in high school and enjoyed playing on local softball and bowling teams. He coached his children’s soccer teams and was an assistant Boy Scout Leader, developing an interest in camping and hiking. He also enjoyed golfing, having worked as a golf caddy as a teenager, and enjoyed golfing with his cousins at yearly family reunions. In Poplar Bluff, Missouri, he joined a hiking club. He also became interested in competitive shooting. Vacations were usually spent camping and fishing. After retirement, he enjoyed extended visits with cousins who met in Gulf Shores, Alabama.

Preceding him in death were his parents and sister, Darlene Tinnea. Survivors include his wife, a son, USAF Retired Lt Colonel Jason Birch of Leesburg, Virginia, daughter Kimberly Pfeifer of North Las Vegas, Nevada, and daughter Cassie Clubb (Chris Clubb) of Wentzville, Missouri, 8 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren, and many extended family members.

There will be no memorial services. Private burial will take place at a later date at Mackville Cemetery in Atwood, Illinois.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association and the Alzheimer's Foundation.

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