Obituary of Gary Eugene Burr

Gary Eugene Burr, 80, of Coffeyville passed away Friday, January 30, 2015, at Coffeyville Regional Medical Center. He was born May 19, 1934, at McKeesport, PA to Theodore and Alice Josephine (Tuxford) Burr. Gary spent his childhood in Pennsylvania where he attended grade school and junior high, in 1948 his family moved to Coffeyville where he attended high school graduating from Field Kindley High School in 1952, and graduated from Coffeyville Community College in 1954. He continued his education at Kansas University. Gary began working at the Cooperative Refinery later known as Farmland Refinery now known as Coffeyville Resources in Coffeyville on October 31, 1955. On June 3, 1956, he married Kay Johnson at the First Baptist Church in Coffeyville. Following their marriage they made their home in Coffeyville and Gary continued working at the refinery. In 1957 he was inducted in the U.S. Army. He went through basic training at Ft. Riley, KS. After completing basic he spent 18 months in Mannheim, Germany serving with the 8th Armored Calvary. While in Germany he spent 12 weeks in radio school becoming a radio operator in the Reconnaissance and Surveillance Platoon. Gary was discharged from the Army in May 1959 returning to Coffeyville and resumed working at the refinery. He worked in operations for 15 years, then in the electrical department, Gary was supervisor of the electrical department for many years until retiring in 1996. Gary was a active member of the First Baptist Church, serving as Deacon and Trustee. For many years he operated the sound system during services and for special occasions. He was also a member of Keystone Masonic Lodge #102 A.F. & A.M., Scottish Rite at Fort Scott, and Mirza Temple in Pittsburg, he was past president of the Coffeyville Shrine Club. Gary was also active in the Coffeyville Sertoma Club serving as President for two years. In his spare time Gary loved to play golf at Hillcrest Gold Course, he also enjoyed the computer and miniature N scale railroad. After retiring Gary and Kay enjoyed traveling with their fifth wheel travel trailer. Survivors include his wife, Kay Burr of the home; and one sister, Carol Padgett of Coffeyville. He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Minnie Doris Anderson, and Jeannie Burr; and two brothers, Teddy Burr, and Dewey Burr. A Memorial Service celebrating Gary's life will be at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, February 3, 2015, at the First Baptist Church with Dr. J. Dean McNamara officiating. Masonic Rites will be conducted by Keystone Masonic Lodge #102 A.F. & A.M., Inurnment will be in Restlawn Memorial Park. Friends may sign the register book on Monday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the David W. Barnes Funeral Home in Coffeyville. The family suggests memorials to the American Heart Association, Shriners Children's Hospital, or the First Baptist Church; contributions may be left with the funeral home or mailed in care of David W. Barnes Funeral Home, 306 North Cline Road, Coffeyville, KS 67337.