Burle C. Neely Obituary (1921 - 2018)

Burle Chalmer Neely, 96, passed away Monday, January 22, 2018 at Windsor Place Assisted Living, where he lived for the past five years. He was born near Edna, KS on January 29, 1921 to John and Jessie (Johnston) Neely. He farmed until entering the Army Air Corps in 1942 and served in the China-Burma-India theater. After the war, he worked for Southwestern Bell until his retirement in 1981. Burle was also a 35 year member in his union; the Communication Workers of America. He married Mary Elizabeth Williamson on May 3, 1946 in Altamont. They came to Coffeyville in 1948. After retirement, Burle and Mary enjoyed traveling, square-dancing, and entertaining their grandchildren. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his sons Dick (Mary Bethe') of Surprise, AZ; Gene (Deb) of Olathe, KS; Phil (Judy) of Coffeyville, KS and his daughter-in-law Cindy Neely of Columbus, KS. He was preceded in death by his parents, three sisters, and his son Steve. He is also survived by seven grandchildren: Jon Neely of Denver, CO; Karen Neely of Big Pine Key, FL; Jake (Lois) Neely of Columbus, KS; Jessica (Wes) Garrison of Olathe, KS; Will (Lacy) Neely of Columbus, KS; Ben (Tiffany) Neely of Emporia, KS; and Katelyn Neely of Lenexa, KS. He is also survived by his sister Normalea Ragel of Garden City, KS, seven great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held Friday, January 26, 2018 at 1:00pm at The First United Methodist Church in Coffeyville with Pastor Nicole Schwartz-Eck officiating. Military Honors will be conducted by Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #1022 and American Legion Post #20. Burial will be in Lake Creek Cemetery near Bartlett, KS. Friends may call on Thursday from 12:00pm to 8:00pm at the David W. Barnes Funeral Home in Coffeyville. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #1022, American Legion Post #20, or Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice. 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.