John R. Burlison

John R. Burlison, 60, of Bowerston and formerly New Philadelphia, died Monday, July 2, 2007 at Union Hospital following a courageous battle with cancer.

He was born December 17, 1946 at Dover, the son of James E. Burlison of Canton, and the late Margaret Mary Hare Burlison.

For the past ten years, John was a well-respected employee with Atwood Lodge and Resort where he had worked as Assistant Engineer. He also took pride in having served as an Auxiliary Sheriff�(TM)s Deputy many years ago.

John was very matter of fact and was never afraid to say what was on his mind. He had a variety of interests that kept him busy, whether golfing or bowling �" he bowled in the Elks bowling leagues for years, hunting, woodworking, or watching his beloved Cleveland Indians. He was also skilled in the kitchen and loved baking and cooking. His children fondly remember his tasty desserts like his made from scratch cherry pie, but he was perhaps most revered for his famous Sloppy Joe!

Like so many his age, he proudly served his country during wartime. He was in the Army�(TM)s 4th Infantry Division during the tumultuous Vietnam era.

He was a member of Sacred Heart Church in New Phila.

In addition to his father, John is survived by: his wife of 18 years, JoAnne Burlison of Dover; a daughter, Heather (Ben) Cooley of Dover; a son, James Burlison of New Philadelphia; sister, Sandra A. (Daniel) Buss of Dover; brother, James D. Burlison of Kansas City, Kansas; the apple of his eye, grandson, Ben Cooley; two nephews, Michael Duda of Dover, and Tommy Burlison of California; a niece, Robin Bolon of Bowerston; and many loving aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Along with his mother, his son, John C. Burlison, and a brother, Thomas W. Burlison, and nephew, Jeff Duda, preceded John in death.

John�(TM)s life will be celebrated with a memorial mass on Friday, July 6, at 10:30am in Sacred Heart Church in New Philadelphia. Monsignor George Schlegel will officiate. His ashes will then be interred in Calvary Cemetery at New Philadelphia, where the New Philadelphia VFW will present full military honors. Following the burial, a meal for family and friends will be served in the Toland-Herzig Monarch Center.

Those unable to attend or wishing to share a fond memory may sign the online register book for John by visiting the “obituaries” link on the funeral home�(TM)s website.

The family suggests that memorial gifts be made to Sacred Heart Church, 139 3rd St. NE, New Philadelphia.

John�(TM)s cremation and services have been entrusted to the care of Toland-Herzig Funeral Home & Crematory, New Philadelphia.

Toland-Herzig
(330) 343-6132
www.tolandherzig.com