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Author: chastain
19

Howard Allen BurrisPassing: October 11, 2024

Service:

Mitchell Church of Christ

Funeral Service

Tuesday, October 15th @ 11:00am

Visitation:

Mitchell Church of Christ

Monday, October 14th @ 4:00pm-7:00pm

Tuesday, October 15th @ 10:00am-11:00am

Cemetery:

Mitchell Cemetery

Tuesday, October 15th

MITCHELL – Howard Allen Burris, 92, passed away Friday, October 11, 2024, at his residence.

Born September 25, 1932, in Mitchell, he was the son of Lester Allen and Gladys Estelle (Sherwood) Burris.  He married Geraldine “Gerry” Faye Fisher on June 20, 1954 and she survives.  They were married for 70 years.

Howard was a 1950 graduate of Mitchell High School and received his master’s degree in education.  He was a teacher for 40 years, retiring from Mitchell Community Schools.  Howard was a U.S. Army veteran.  He was a life-long farmer and had been the Lawrence County Farmer of the Year.  Howard loved gardening and farming.  He was a member of the Mitchell Church of Christ and also preached at many small churches around the area.  Howard loved his family and enjoyed spending time with them on the farm. 

Surviving are his wife, Geraldine “Gerry” Burris of Mitchell; children, Paula (Tom) Sowders of Mitchell, Allen (Kedra) Burris of Mitchell, and Lou Ann (Mark) Rader of Mitchell; grandchildren, Matthew (Jean) Sowders, Jeremy (Moriah) Sowders, Sarah (Derek) Rollins, Kyle (Charlsie) Rader, Lester (Maddie) Burris, Luke (Lydia) Burris, Rebecca (Micah) Fleming, and Ben (Victoria) Burris; 15 great-grandchildren; and siblings, Ralph Burris of Hamilton, Ohio and Norma Roberts of Jeffersonville.

His parents and infant brother, Paul Burris, preceded him in death.

Funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, October 15, at the Mitchell Church of Christ with Brother Ralph Burris officiating.  Burial will be at Mitchell Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Monday and from 10:00 a.m. until the service on Tuesday at the Mitchell Church of Christ.

Memorial Gifts:  Mitchell Church of Christ or Spring Mill Bible Camp Building Fund

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19 Guest Comments

  1. Guest: Sheryl Walton | Mitchell
    Date: October 15, 2024
    So sorry for your loss. Howard and a great example of many things that we need to imitate. Blessings to his family in these coming days.
  2. Guest: Marilyn England | Mitchell , In
    Date: October 15, 2024
    So sad to hear of Howard's passing ,He was a true and faithful servant of God, Prayers for the family . I know Mrs Gerry will miss him dearly.
  3. Guest: Barbara Buskirk | Trussville. AL
    Date: October 14, 2024
    I know you will miss him! Your love and respect you have for him will help you through your loss of him! God bless you!🙏🙏
  4. Guest: Beverly Kerr | BEDFORD
    Date: October 14, 2024
    I’m so sorry to hear of Howard’s passing. Your family is in my prayers. I sincerely apologize for not being able to attend the funeral. We are in North Carolina with Sheralee’s family and don’t fly home until Wednesday.
  5. Guest: Cathy Brewer | Bedford, IN
    Date: October 14, 2024
    Paula and Family, So sorry to hear of your father's passing. Love and prayers, Cathy and Greg Brewer.
  6. Guest: Keely Thomas | Grove City
    Date: October 13, 2024
    Paula, Alan, Lou Ann & family, My condolences for the loss of your father! I had Mr. Burris for math and always thought so much of him as a teacher. He helped me through in understanding things in math that I didn’t get before. Paula, thank you and Tom for being such wonderful neighbors all those years with my parents. My thoughts and prayers are with you all!
  7. Guest: Bobby Brown | Venice Florida
    Date: October 12, 2024
    I’m sorry for your loss Allen and Lou Ann. I thought your father was an exceptional man.
  8. Guest: Raina Smith | Bedford, indiana
    Date: October 12, 2024
    Mr.Burris was my 5th grade homeroom teacher. I learned a lot from him. He will be missed.
  9. Guest: Dan Chambers | Mitchell, Indiana
    Date: October 12, 2024
    Allen, I’m so sorry to learn of the passing of your father. Even though I never really knew him, I know what kind of man he was by knowing you and your family. He had a long life and a good life and I know that these will ease the pain of his passing. Know that our love and prayers are with you and your family.
  10. Guest: Don McIver | Miami, Fl
    Date: October 12, 2024
    Howard's guidance helped shape my life nearly fifty years ago He was a good friend and mentor, as well as my elder brother in Christ. He and Gerry were both blessings to me, and fine examples of serving the Savior. Rest in Jesus, my brother.
  11. Guest: Becky Ball | Mitchell IN
    Date: October 11, 2024
    He was my 6th grade teacher. My favorite grade school teacher. Praying for your family
  12. Guest: Carla Taylor | Ft Myers, Fl
    Date: October 11, 2024
    I know that you all are so sad but yet rejoicing that Howard has made it to his heavenly home. I know he was always so proud to call himself Gerry’s husband and the father and grandfather of you all. Your family will be in our hearts and prayers.
  13. Guest: Eddie Hatfield | Mitchell
    Date: October 11, 2024
    To all of you, very sorry for the loss. Great neighbor for 36 yrs. Prayers to you all.
  14. Guest: Dylan Goller | Bedford, Indiana
    Date: October 11, 2024
    He was a good and faithful servant of our Lord Jesus Christ. Best wishes to his family.
  15. Guest: Janet Little | Sebastopol, CA
    Date: October 11, 2024
    To the Burris Family: My heartfelt sympathy in the passing of Mr. Burris. He was a good man and had a fine family he was so proud of. He’ll always live in your hearts and will never be forgotten. Stay strong for each other and live your lives in the best way that will make him proud. Prayers for all of you. 🙏
  16. Guest: Judy Miller Hasselkus | INDIANAPOLIS
    Date: October 11, 2024
    Lou Ann, my heart goes out to your family. Your dad was a fantastic educator and raised wonderful kids. Hugs to you.
  17. Guest: Patty Cottengain | Orleans IN
    Date: October 11, 2024
    Im so sorry for your loss.
  18. Guest: Kyle (Thralls) Fugate | Newburgh, IN
    Date: October 11, 2024
    Mr. Burris was my 5th grade teacher in the mid 80s. Out of all my teachers, he has always been one I cherished the most. He made all his students feel special. I’m so sorry for your loss.
  19. Guest: Kathy (McHargue) Scarlett | Bedford, IN
    Date: October 11, 2024
    Mr. Burris was one of my fifth grade teachers. He was very kind to me! Great teacher! 🙏🏼 Prayers for all of his family.

Phone: (812) 849-2600 | Fax: (812) 849-3323 | email: services@chastainfuneralhome.com

Chastain Funeral Home & Cremation Center