J. T. Morriss & Son Funeral Homes

Churn, Robert G.

Thursday, March 19, 2009

Robert Gordon Churn, 83, a life long Petersburg native, died on March 19, 2009. Robert “Bobby” Churn graduated from Petersburg High School and joined the Marine Corps during World War II where he served in Okinawa and China. When he returned he attended Randolph Macon College where he was an all state baseball player and was awarded an outstanding Alumnus Award. He later received a Master’s Degree from U.V.A. Mr. Churn began his teaching career in Waverly, VA and then returned to Petersburg where he was teacher, coach, athletic director, and assistant principal for 18 years at Petersburg High School. He then became principal of Dinwiddie High School and later joined the staff of Richard Bland College where he served for 14 years as Dean of Student Services. He was a devoted educator who always loved “his kids.” Mr. Churn was an Elder of the Second Presbyterian Church, a Rotarian, and member and past CEO of the Petersburg/Colonial Heights SPCA. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Martha Woods Churn; a daughter, Carolyn Brown and her husband, Phil; two grandsons, Tyler and Jonathan Kirks; a niece, Paige Cowan and her husband, Don of Atlanta; a nephew, Sherwood Wynne Churn, III and his wife, Carole Ann and several other nieces and nephews. He is also survived by a sister-in-law, Sally W. Phillips and a devoted care-giver, Katherine Moore. There will be a memorial service at 2 pm on Monday, March 23, 2009 at Second Presbyterian Church, Washington Street, with a reception following the service at the church. Burial will be private. Memorial contributions may be made to the Petersburg/Colonial Heights SPCA, 201 Temple Avenue Colonial Heights, VA 23834, or to the Robert G. Churn Scholarship Fund at Richard Bland College. The Petersburg Chapel of J.T. Morriss & Son Funeral Home is serving the family. Condolences may be registered at www.jtmorriss.com.

MR. CHURN WAS MY HOMEROOM AND HISTORY TEACHER IN 1957.HE WAS A FINE MAN.HE AND MR BOB KILBOURNE WERE TWO OF THE FINEST GANTLEMEN TO HAVE BEEN AT PHS. AS ROLE MODELS THEY COUL,NT BE TOPPED. I AM GLAD TO HAVE KNOWN THEM BOTH.PETERSBURG WAS ABETTER PLACE BECAUSE OF MEN LIKE THEM. MR. CHURN WAS STILL COMING TO PHS FOOTBALL GAMES UP UNTIL HE GOT SICK

Posted by: ron moody at March 25, 2009 06:52 PM

Carolyn, we are sorry to hear that your Dad passed away. His bright smile and cheerful disposition will certainly be missed by everyone. The last time I saw him, he was sitting in the dentist's chair and anyone who can smile like that, when they're sitting THERE, with the laughing and carrying on he was doing, well it just goes to show what kind of person he was, and that's the man we're all going to miss. Our prayers are with you.

Posted by: Jim & Judy Russell at March 24, 2009 01:27 PM

Our hearts and prayers are with the family of Coach Churn. At Petersburg High School in the 60's and Richard Bland College in the 70's, he was a fine Christian man and always a friend to the students. He will be sorely missed and always remembered fondly.

Posted by: Bob Pugh at March 23, 2009 10:18 PM

"Coach" Churn was my homeroom and History teacher in the 60's...the one who stands out as the most caring of all. Recently my daughter and I were discussing how one teacher can make such a difference in a child's life and his name came up. I know your family will miss him, but will be able to celebrate his life for all the wonderful contributions he made to others. Toni Houchins LaPierre

Posted by: Toni Houchins LaPierre at March 23, 2009 11:42 AM

I was deeply saddened to learn of the death of this great man. I knew him as an educator who was admired by all who knew him especially the many young people whose lives he touched in such a friendly and positive manner. He was truly a rare individual and such a great person to be around. My deepest sympathy to his family. Dewey Oakley, Colonial Heights, VA

Posted by: Dewey Oakley at March 23, 2009 11:08 AM

Although I have not seen Coach Churn for several years, I remember him as a man of integrity and an excellent mentor for students. I never knew that he was a Marine and had served in Okinawa and China during World War II. I appreciate his service to our country. He is a great American patriot.
May God's blessing be on his family.
Richard Earl, Petersburg High School, Class of 1968

Posted by: Richard Earl at March 22, 2009 11:27 PM

my deepest sympathies to the churn family and the rest of us who had coach churn on a pedistal.there are so many superlatives that could be affixed to him that it would an be endless narrative. i was always so gratified by his attention and reception ,no matter how long it had been since the last time.what a hard job for the world to come up with another person of the worth of bobby churn.imagine how long that will be...

Posted by: fletcher harrison at March 22, 2009 10:28 PM

I was saddened to hear of Coach Churn's death. But, what a wonderful life he led! I cannot imagine the number of people upon whom he had a positive influence during his long life in working with young people. I remember Coach Churn as a gracious and lovely family friend who always had a smile for whomever he met. If there has ever been a better man in the history of Petersburg, I would be interested in knowing who he was and in what way he beat out Bobby Churn. My mother loved him like a brother and would have been devastated by his passing. My sincerest condolences to the family, but remember what an amazing person he was for so long.

Posted by: Herb Prizer at March 22, 2009 09:17 PM

I had the privilege of working for Bobby as his secretary at Richard Bland College for several years and what a privilege it was. He was the kindest, most even-tempered, never condescending, and humble person I have ever known. I never dreaded going to work as every day was an adventure. We laughed and had fun along with our work. He loved family, friends,animals, and students better known as "his kids". He influenced so many people in his life including myself and my husband. I will never forget him and I am thankful for knowing him. Bobby Churn was truly a southern gentleman and one of a kind!

Posted by: Elizabeth Clear Fisher at March 22, 2009 09:49 AM

Carolyn, Martha & family,

My sincerest condolences on your loss. Please don't hesitate to call me if you just need to talk or anything, especially when all of the 'visitors' have gone home. Having lost both parents and my husband, I'd like to make myself available just to listen if you need me.
HIS,
Sharon

Posted by: Sharon Ramey at March 21, 2009 10:37 AM

Martha and Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and yours in these sad days ahead. Please be comforted in the thought that Bobby has no more pain, no more suffering, he is whole again, safe in the arms of our loving Savior. The void in your hearts will never again be filled, but the Lord will comfort you and help make the pain a little easier to bear. Rejoice in the loving, happy memories that you all have of your lives with him.
Arie Fenderson Blankenship

Posted by: Arie Fenderson Blankenship at March 21, 2009 08:48 AM

I wish to offer my deepest sympathy to the family of Mr. Churn. He became Dean of Students at RBC my sophmore year. He was probably the first person to treat me and the other students as adults. Although I very rarely saw him, I have always considered him a very special friend. He was truly a remarkable person who will surely be missed by everyone who knew him.
Craig Mingloski, RBC Class of 1975

Posted by: Craig Mingloski at March 20, 2009 03:30 PM

I remember Mr. Churn as the best principal ever. He became Principal my senior year at DCHS. He was an outstanding individual - and I was fortunate to have known him. We have lost one of the finest educators and administrators Virginia has ever known. He will be missed. My condolences to his family. Gary W. Talley

Posted by: Gary W. Talley at March 20, 2009 09:04 AM

My sincerset condolences to the family of this remarkable man. He had a great positive impact on me as a young person, and I have many fond and lasting memories of him as my teacher and coach. "Knocky" surely will be missed but he will never be forgotten.
Kindest Regards,
Benny Hicks PHS '64
United States Naval Academy '69

Posted by: Benny hicks at March 19, 2009 10:54 PM

Mr. Churn was my homeroom teacher and also my History teacher in 1959 at Petersburg High School. He was quick with his smile and qenuinely liked all of his students.
It was an honor and pleasure to have known him.
My sympathies go out to all of his family. He will be missed and will always be lovingly remembered.
Diane Noel

Posted by: Diane Slaughter Noel at March 19, 2009 09:06 PM

I was a student of "Coach" Churn in the 1960's and he was also my neighbor when I was growing up. I am so sorry for your loss. He will be missed.

Posted by: Linda Crichton Pastore at March 19, 2009 06:20 PM

To Mr. Churn's family I offer my love and sympathy. Mr. Churn meant so much to so many people. He was a gentleman and friend and never knew a stranger--he loved everyone! I saw him earlier this month at the Mad Italian Restaurant and his face just lit up when I hugged him. That was the kind of person he was, always glad to see you and he always had a kind word. Petersburg has lost one of its finest citizens. May God bless his family and give them strength. Becky Joyner

Posted by: Becky Joyner at March 19, 2009 04:49 PM

I was a student of "Coach Churn" in the 1960s at Petersburg High School, there were not many teachers like him! I am a 1964 Graduate.

I am so sorry for your loss and he will be missed by many.

Posted by: Renay Durham at March 19, 2009 04:24 PM

I played ball for Mr. Churn in 1956 and 1957. He was a very special person and a great role model. His influnce on my life as a teacher ,coach and a friend cannot be measured. His passing is a great loss.

Posted by: Robert A. Goulder at March 19, 2009 03:37 PM

Very sorry to here about Bobby. I graduated from Petersburg High in 1969. Bobby was one of the greatest persons I have ever known. He will be missed by all of us......Keith B.

Posted by: Keith Barker at March 19, 2009 03:31 PM