Robert L. Burnell

Robert L. Burnell, 87, of Emporia, Kansas died Wednesday, June 27 ^th at the Emporia Presbyterian Manor.

Robert was born July 6, 1930 on Emporia, Kansas the son of Mandota “Pat” and Beulah Burnell. He was the oldest of seven children. He had many jobs as a young man, including working on the railroad. At 17 he enlisted in the Army and went on to make it his career. He trained in communications and was stationed in Japan, during the Korean Conflict. He served 22 years, doing tours of duty in Italy, Germany, Greece, and multiple state side locations, with his family accompanying him to most of these locations.

After retiring from the Army in 1969, Robert worked for Bell-Aerospace, in Arizona. He then relocated back to Emporia, and worked with his brother-in-law, for the Schottler Electric Company. He later worked for Sauder’s before becoming a private consultant. He was an active member of the Congregational Church in Emporia, until deteriorating health prevented his attendance.

On July 6, 1952, in Macksville, Kansas, Robert married Lois Marie Hall. She survives of the home. Other survivors include two daughters, Karen (Mark) Haag of Emporia and Cindy (Larry) Kehres of Olpe. One brother O.C. “Buck” Burnell of Chandler, Arizona; three sisters, June (John) Harger of Litchfield Park, Arizona, Chlorita Smith, and Carol (Carl) Renfro both of Emporia.

He is also survived by five grandchildren, Michelle (Kevin) Redeker of Olpe, Nicole Haag (Charlie Goldberg) of Denver, Colorado, Ryan (Jeanette) Haag of Los Gatos, California, Lindsay (Travis) Bolen of Emporia, Dustin (Nicole) Kehres of Scottsdale, Arizona; and twelve great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Charles, and one sister, Peggy Jo Bailey.

Robert was a hard-working, generous to a fault, patriotic man. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. After retirement, he helped raise five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. They were the light of his life. Despite failing health, he never lost his sense of humor and was known as a jokester. He was loved very much and he will be missed.

Cremation is planned. A graveside memorial service will be 10:00 A.M. Tuesday, July 3, 2018 at the Patio Garden in Memorial Lawn Cemetery.

In Lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to either the USD #252 Honor Flights program for south Lyon County or the All Veterans Memorial in Emporia. Donations may be sent in care of Roberts-Blue-Barnett.

Friends may leave online condolences for the family at www.robertsblue.com