John R. Burlison, 94, of De Soto, formerly of Owensville died March 21, 2019, at Baisch Nursing Center in De Soto. Mr. Burlison was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star Chapter No. 414, the Owensville Masonic Lodge No. 624, and a lifetime member of the Telephone Pioneers of America and the Communication Workers of America. He served in the U.S. Navy as a fireman first class, fought in Asia during World War II and received a Victory Medal of Honor. Born Dec. 31, 1924, he was the son of the late Julia (Ritzman) and McClellan Burlison.
He was preceded in death by his wife: Mary Louise (Argent) Burlison.
He is survived by two sons: John David Burlison of Festus and James Burlison of St. Clair; a daughter: Beverly (Larry) Yates of De Soto; a sister-in-law: Betsy Kelleher of Cuba; five grandchildren: Ericka Gulden of St. Louis, Jaime Burlison of Florissant; Shanna Murdoch of Ste. Genevieve, Jacob (Maegan) Murdoch of Onamia, Minn., and Mary (fiance Nick Robinson) Yates of Hillsboro; and four great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by a daughter: Barbara Caldwell; a brother: Robert Burlison; and a sister: Doris Jean Reeder.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, March 25, at Gottenstroeter Funeral Home, 108 S. Second St., Owensville, officiated by the Rev. Kevin Sullivan. Burial with full military honors will be at Countryside Memorial Gardens in Owensville. Memorials may be made to the Order of the Eastern Star. Arrangements are under the direction of Gottenstroeter Funeral Home.