John R. Burlison, 94, DeSoto, formerly of Owensville, passed away Thursday, March 21, 2019, at Baisch Nursing Center in DeSoto.
He was born Dec. 31, 1924, to McClellan and Julia (Ritzman) Burlison, in St. Louis.
He was united in marriage to Mary Louise Argent, June 12, 1948, in Overland, Mo.
John was a member of the Order of Eastern Star Chapter 414 and Owensville Masonic Lodge #624 and a lifetime member of Telephone Pioneer of America and the C.W.A. He served in the U.S. Navy as a Fireman, First Class. He fought in the Asiatic Pacific Theater Campaign during WWII and received a Victory Medal of Honor.
He was preceded in death by wife, Mary, March 5, 2019; daughter, Barbara Caldwell; brother, Robert Burlison; and sister; Doris Jean Reeder.
He is survived by sons, John David Burlison of Festus and James Burlison of St. Clair; daughter, Beverly Yates and husband Larry of DeSoto; sister-in-law, Betsy Kelleher of Cuba; grandchildren, Ericka Gulden of St. Louis, Jaime Burlison of Florissant, Shanna Murdoch of Ste. Genevieve, Jacob Murdoch and wife Maegan of Onamia, Minn. and Mary Yates and fiancé Nick Robinson of Hillsboro; and four great-grandchildren.
Funeral services were held Monday, March 25, at Gottenstroeter Funeral Home, Owensville, with Rev. Kevin Sullivan officiating. Burial with full military honors took place at Countryside Memorial Gardens, Owensville.Memorial contributions suggested to the Order of Eastern Star. Arrangements entrusted to Gottenstroeter Funeral Home, Owensville.
