David Wesley Burcham

David Wesley Burcham, a beloved pastor, passed into the presence of Jesus on May 24, 2024 at the age of 80. He was born on February 3, 1944, in Asheville, North Carolina, to Raymond Day Burcham Sr. and Katheryn May Burcham. Growing up in Yorktown, Indiana, David attended Yorktown High School before pursuing his undergraduate studies at Tennessee Temple and obtaining his Master’s Degree from Dallas Theological Seminary.

At the age of 6, he accepted Christ as his Savior during Vacation Bible School, setting the course for his lifelong dedication to ministry. In 7th grade, David crossed paths with the Rader family, whose influence played a pivotal role in shaping his walk with Christ.

Upon graduating high school, he embarked on his path of service. His pastor recognized his passion and allowed him to work with the youth group, a role that ultimately led him to Tennessee Temple. It was there he met Beth, the tall girl that was a head above the rest of the crowd. He called her dorm and asked for the “tall girl”, and their first date was sitting together at chapel. They were then married the following July in 1967. After graduation from Tennessee Temple, he decided to go to Dallas Theological Seminary which then began his Texas Ministry.

David dedicated an impressive 60 years to ministry, with 50 of those years spent as a full-time pastor. He shepherded congregations in six different churches throughout his lifetime, including First Baptist Church of Urbandale, First Baptist Church of Hubbard, First Baptist Church of Heath, Memorial Baptist Church in Channelview, First Baptist Church of San Augustine, and Harvest Acres Baptist Church in Mineola. His love and passion for the ministry was evident at all of the churches he served. He made sure to touch every ministry in the church including VBS, church camps and AWANA.

David was known for his unique illustrations and jokes before most services. No family member was ever off limits and all have been embarrassed or put on the spot over the years. He was also known for bringing props on stage and never being able to stand still. Even though Texas became home for him, he has always had a love for snow, and would have all the churches pray for snow every winter. If you ever walked into his house during winter, you would see his immense snowmen collection.

Beyond his ministry, David loved hearing the sounds of the waves as he walked the beach. He also enjoyed working in the yard with Beth and going on walks with his kids and grandkids. You could always find a puzzle on the table and he loved playing board games with the kids and grandkids as well. His love for books was evident in his office and his home; particularly old westerns by Louis L’amour and the Star Trek series. He was a true Trekkie, Star Wars, and science fiction fan.

David is survived by his devoted wife of 56 years, Beth; his children Melissa (Daron) Bilyeu of Sulphur Springs, Jeremy Burcham of San Augustine, and Cynthia Forney of Lufkin; his brother John Burcham; his grandchildren Jasmyne Forney, Nathan Bilyeu, Ileigha Burcham, Brandon Bilyeu, Sadie Forney, Alexander Burcham, and Alayna Burcham; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Kathryn and Raymond Burcham Sr., his brothers Raymond and Kenny Burcham, and his lifelong friend Bob Rader.

David’s legacy of faith and love will be fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Services will be held at Beaty Funeral Home in Mineola on May 31, 2024. Visitation/viewing is at 10am followed by the service at 11am.

If you feel so led, a donation can be made to The Gideons International, PO Box 97251, Washington, DC 20090-7251 or www.gideons.org

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