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BORN
1948
DIED
2011
John Burlew Obituary
John Howard, III, Esquire, devoted husband of Kathy Burlew; dear son of the late Ralph & Ora Burlew; loving father of Randi Burlew Burks (Scott) & Robin Vann (Bryon), dear brother of Randy Burlew (Teresa), Charles Osborne & the late Cecil Burlew; beloved grandfather of Gavin Burks, fond son-in-law of Edna Hoard, also survived by a host of other relatives & friends. Passed December 29, 2011. Friends may call Tuesday, 11am until time of service, 1pm, at Calvary United Methodist Church, 3215 Woodburn Ave. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to: "Kids in Need of Desks", US Fund for UNICEF, 125 Maiden Ln., NY, NY 10038, 1-800-FOR-KIDS. Interment Spring Grove Cemetery. Arrangements by Thompson, Hall & Jordan Funeral Home.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Burlew
Huberta Jackson-Lowman
December 27, 2023
May the love and memories you shared bring you comfort during this time.Huberta Jackson-Lowman
Michael Cunningham
January 19, 2012
Dear Kathy, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. My only knowledge of your husband came from the rich memories you've shared at professional meetings. May you fine peace in his loving memory.
Sincerely,
Michael Cunningham
Ann Tarbutton Gerhart
January 11, 2012
I worked with John many years ago at the Public Defender Division of Legal Aid in Cincinnati. There was not a kinder, stronger, or more gentle man practicing in the courts at that time. He was always admired by all the lawyers and judges. My heart is heavy knowing that he has left this world--but he has left it a better place.
Carol Wheeler-Strother
January 10, 2012
I just heard about John's passing yesterday. May John's wonderful spirit continue to flow through you and your family. John was a very special person and loved by many. My sincerest condolences to the family.
January 8, 2012
My deepest sympathy to Randy Burlew, John's wife and the entire Burlew Family. I am sure that his Mom, Dad and Cecil have welcomed him into heaven and that he is smiling down on all of you. One day all of you will be able to smile again just as John always did.
Patricia Barnes-Frye
January 7, 2012
To the Burlew Family, my sincere condolences. God will take care of you in your loss. I grew up with John in Kennedy Heights up to age 16.
Jimmy Williams and Family. San Diego, CA
Jack/Louise Phelps
January 6, 2012
We will miss John as we miss the many hours on the soccer field!! Truly we have lost the most dedicated family man we have ever known.May God bless Kathy, Randi and Robin in this time of grief.
Huberta Jackson-Lowman
January 5, 2012
To Kathy & family, I pray that you and your family will find some comfort in the love you shared with your husband/father, your many memories together, and that God will hold you up as you deal with your loss. My sincere condolences. With love, Huberta Jackson-Lowman (Tallahassee, FL)
Faye & Marshall Smith
January 5, 2012
To Robin,Bryon and Family. Our prayers are with you at this time of great sorrow. May God continue to bless you and keep you in his loving arms.
ron rogers
January 5, 2012
Prayers for the family. Rest in peace, John. "we all won!". Thank You.
Nancy Stir
January 4, 2012
Commissioner Burlew was one of my favorites while employed by the Ohio Civil Rights Commission. He was fair in his actions and was a true gentleman. He will be missed by so many and I personally will miss his great jokes!
Nancy Stir
Former Commission employee
Ted Berry
January 4, 2012
John was a gentle and compassionate man. He was a mentor of my mine who first afforded me a law clerk position when I was studying for the Bar.John mentored me when I was elected Judge and I credit him for helping me become the Judge that I am today.I am honored that John received an award in my father's name at the past NAACP Dinner.
Dianne Mason, Esq.
January 3, 2012
Kathy and Family,
My prayers are with you all in this time of sorrow. John was a wonderful person and a fantastic lawyer. Many of us would not be successful today if he had not taken the time to help us, encourage us and employ us as clerks as we maticulated through U.C. Law School. He opened his heart to us all and we cannot forget the many times that both of you shared your home with us. His sweet spirit and integrity as a lawyer and judge will always remain with us. Please do not hesitate to let me know if I can be of any assistance to you at any time. You may contact me at [email protected].
May God grant you his peace.
Psalm 121:1-8
Prayfully,
Blake GORDON
January 3, 2012
To the Family:
My sympathies to you all. I did not personally know Mr. Burlew, but he was related to my Aunt Evelyn Combs so I heard his name around the house often.
So many of the good people are leaving us. The loss is greatly felt.
May God bless and comfort you through your trial. My prayers are on your behalf.
By His Grace, Blake Littlejohn-Gordon
January 3, 2012
I was out of town over the holidays and just found out that Judge Burlew had passed. In private practice he was a prepared, worthy opponent. I learned so much from him. While on the Muni Court bench, we shared office space and he called me "The Baby Judge". He was always so kind and helpful. My sincere sympathy and prayers for his family. Ethna Cooper
January 3, 2012
To the Burlew Family, we worked with John and found him to be a wonderful man with a great sense of humor. He will be missed.
Corporate Printing.
James and Sharon Monroe
January 3, 2012
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Karen McKitric
January 3, 2012
Dear Burlew Family,
Ours is one of the many families whose lives were touched and aided by this kind man, Mr. John Burlew. Thank you for sharing him with us. We will keep you in our prayers. Charles Allen and Karen McKitric
Mary Jane Haddix
January 3, 2012
I had the pleasure of working at Avon, Inc. with John as my supervisor while he was in Law School, and I must say, I've never met a nicer man in my life. My condolences at this time.
Christy Burnette
January 3, 2012
Robin,
John Merchant and I were so sorry to hear about your loss. You and your family are in our prayers. Christy Burnette (Co-worker at Peck, Shaffer & Williams)
January 3, 2012
I am so sorry to hear about Judge Burlew. He was a wonderful man and a great lawyer. I want to tell his daughters how he always talked to me about you. I have 4 daughters and every time I saw him he always asked about my daughters and I always asked him about you. He was so very proud of both of you. He talked about you in the most loving way and always reminded me that it was the job of the whole family to take care of the "baby". I'm not sure which one of you is the baby, but you must have been very well cared for. John will be very missed by all of us.
Ellen Wolf
January 3, 2012
My thoughts and prayers are with Kathy and her family.
Michael Oldham
Southfield Michigan
Fred and Lori Hamilton
January 3, 2012
Our condolences to the Burlew Family. John a was a good friend, neighbor, and colleague.
Alicia Washington
January 3, 2012
To the Burlew Family,
I send my sincerest condolences. Judge Burlew was a great mentor to me and a dear friend to my family as well. He will be remembered for his kind demeanor and loving and friendly personality. I will always remember his humor and humility in and out of the courtroom. He was genuinely a great person and he will be missed. My prayers go out to his wife, children, and family and friends.
Alvertis Bishop, Jr.
January 3, 2012
Kathy, Randi and Robin,
All of us in the Bishop household are praying for you. John was our friend, and we are yours. May God bless you all.
Julius Sanks
January 3, 2012
Kathy, Randi and Robin,
My prayers and thoughts are with you. John was a very good friend and when I began my law practice he provided excellent guidence and I shall never forget his kindness and thoughfulness.
Jonathan Michael Cobb
January 3, 2012
My sincerest condolences for the loss of Mr. Burlew. He and my father were friends from long ago. Several times over the last few years, I had the privilege of driving him to work when I saw him waiting for the bus on Montgomery Rd. The wisdom, advice, knowledge and motivation I receieved from those short commutes will last a lifetime. Mr. Burlew will truly be missed.
Richard Goldberg
January 3, 2012
My condolences go out to the Burlew family. Words cannot describe how badly he will be missed.
January 3, 2012
Kathy, Randi, & Robin, John was a kind, caring gentleman. We are praying for your family. Continue to look to God for comfort and strength.
Harold & Robyn Bennie (Cincinnati OH)
John Williams
January 3, 2012
The Black Lawyers Association of Cincinnati is deeply saddened for the loss or our member and pioneer. John was a mentor to countless attorneys and a shining beacon of light.
Jason & Brandy Davis, Sr.
January 3, 2012
Lifting you all up in prayer to Him who gives comfort & peace. God Bless you & keep you.
January 3, 2012
I am so deeply saddend that such a wonderful man has been loss to his family, friends and those who will not have the blessing to have known him. Fred Gaines
Cathy Hirsch
January 3, 2012
It has been a pleasure to know and spend time with "Judge." He was a kind and interesting man. I enjoyed our conversations together at the B/G in the morning and will miss him. My thoughts are with you all.
Bob Muro
January 3, 2012
Our prayers and thoughts to the Burlew family.He was a wonderful human being and his kindness will never be forgotten.
Amy Cornacchione (John's Secretary)
January 3, 2012
Dear Kathy, Randi and Robin, I will truly miss your father! He was a very good man and a wonderful Boss to work for. He always made me laugh. He also always talked about his family and how proud they made him! He will always be there watching over you no matter what. He will be deeply missed. My prayers are with you all.
Brenda Waller Bell
Brenda Bell
January 3, 2012
To the Burlew family. Saddened to hear of Johns passing. John was a big man with a big heart. He was my childhood friend and neighbor and Walnut Hills High school friend.
Brenda Waller Bell,Cincinnati, Ohio
Suzanne McConn
January 3, 2012
Kathy and girls, We can't begin to tell you how sad we are. But, how fortunate we feel to have been a neighbor and friend for the past 12 years to such a good man. May God's peace and love surround you and your family during this time. I know for us....summers will never be the same on Iris without seeing him on the stoop.
Love
the McConns
Kim Patterson Stanfield
January 3, 2012
Dear Randi and Family, We are saddened to hear of the loss of your beloved father. Our prayers are with you all.
With deepest sympathy.
Dr. Barbara Connally
January 3, 2012
Dr. Lee Barbara Connally
January 3, 2012
My sincere condolences to Kathy & the girls. I was so sorry to hear about your loss. May God comfort you during this time of sorrow.
Takara and Nathan Vann
January 3, 2012
Mrs. Kathy, Randi, and Robin, I've been praying for the family since we found out the news. Nathan and I are so glad we had the pleasure of meeting him... He was such a wonderful man. We will continue to pray for your strength... We love u all.
Angela Washington
January 3, 2012
Judge Burlew was a fine man. He was a giving man. He got my daughters carrear as an attorney off to a geat start as he stressed that integrity is more important than skill as an attorney. He knew exactly what to say to me as a scared parent trying to educate my daughter. John loved the Lord and all of his childen and now he is resting right next to the powerful all knowing Lord our father. Watch over us and I will see you on the other side. May God give comfort to the family as my prayers are with you.
Mrs Earl S Wagner
January 2, 2012
To The Burlew Family, you have my sincere and heartfelt sympathy. May God sustain you in your time of sorrow. Sincerely,
Mrs. Earl S Wagner
January 2, 2012
To the Burlew Family, you have my deepest and most heartfelt sympathy. May God sustain you in your time of bereavement.
Anika Fields
January 2, 2012
Kathy, I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your husband. I am praying that you and your family find comfort and peace through cherished memories.
You are in our prayers.
Duane Davis
January 2, 2012
Kathy,
May God be with you during this time.
You and your family have our deepest sympathy in your time of grief. You are in our prayers.
Duane, Gloria and Ellyn
Janet Reid
January 2, 2012
Kathy and the entire Berlew Family,
May the Lord bless you with warm memories of such a great man. He was a blessing to so many! Thank you for being his family--and providing him a place of peace and love to nurture his kind heart. We will miss him dearly!
Harry Frisby
January 2, 2012
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Aunt Evelyn's Crew
Cammie Combs-Montgomery
January 2, 2012
Burlew Family, Our hearts are heavy. John Howard was a very special man. We are all blessed to have known such a loving person. God has each of you in His hands. As a family, we stand firm on God's promises and know that we will see John again. We love you always.
Clara Fenderson
January 2, 2012
He was a fine gentle-man. May the Lord hold John's hand as he walks through the transition. Please Lord comfort, keep, take care of the family now and thereafter. Peace be still...thy servant of the people. He will be oh so missed. May he rest' peacefully~
"Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints"...Psalm:116v15...
In kindness~
Clara Fenderson and Family~
Mr & Mrs.George (Linda) Beatty and Family~
I
Cynthia Waller-Herrington
January 2, 2012
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Dalida Box
January 2, 2012
May God bless and keep you in peace during this time of loss. Mr. Burlew was my neighbor and commuter pal. We shared umbrellas and many many family stories. I will always have fond memories of him.
Alyce Lucas
January 2, 2012
I have fond and treasured memories working with John on the commission. May GOD continue to bless the family in the hours and days to come. We will keep you in our prayer and hearts. Alyce D. Lucas
Kenissa Boyle
January 2, 2012
I'm sending my deepest sympathy to the Burlew family, you are in my prayers. John was great man and role model. He will truly be missed.
Robin Pearl Smith
January 2, 2012
Sorry for your loss
Kevin Robinson
January 2, 2012
Mr. Bulew was a very nice man a kind soul you will be remembered. R.I.P.
Kimberly Wilfong Sigman
January 2, 2012
John and Cecil were very wonderful people. It was a pleasure to have their life paths cross with my own. May God bless and keep you my brother until the day of His return. May God also bless, console and keep his family in a special way as well. Rest in peace my friend!
Melvin Wilson
January 2, 2012
Kathy and the Burlew Family, my prayers are with you. Please know that you have my heartfelt condolences. Melvin Wilson, Charlottesville, VA
Theresa Jones
January 2, 2012
Mr Burlew was a guest speaker in one of my law classes at Cincinnati State. I admired his intelligence. I will always remember him. God Bless!
Rev. RC Slaughter
January 2, 2012
Our Prayer's and deepest condolances for the Burlew Family.
Mr and Mrs John D Slaughter Sr. / Mr and Mrs Rodney Slaughter. (Paris, TX) And The Entire Slaughter Family.
Teri Wallace, Esq.
January 2, 2012
John was a wonderful person, Judge and attorney. He always had a kind story and helpful advice for anyone who would listen. He will be deeply missed by many. For his family, my prayers go out to you in this time of sorrow. Take comfort in knowing he is in a much better place looking over all of you.
Jerry and Bonita Wilkerson
January 2, 2012
Kathy and Burlew Family,
John's brotherly kindness and warm smile is a face forever engaved in our mind and heart. We have many wonderful memories of John. Love, joy, and peace to you and your family.
January 2, 2012
Kathy,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
John Chambers & Barbara Haile
Tallahassee, Florida
January 2, 2012
My prayers and thoughts are with the Burlew Family.John was a great man,he never hesitated to help anyone he knew,especially the Matthews family.We salute your leagacy. Rodney Matthews class of 1980 WHHS.
Mark Gabriel
January 2, 2012
John was a special person as a student athlete at Hanover College ,IN. He went on to make the world a better place. He leaves a wonderful legacy. He will sadly be missed by all who knew him. Our prayers to his family
Beverly Tuggle-Powell
January 2, 2012
Our deepest condolences to the Burlew and Hoard Family.
LaTrice Montgomery
January 2, 2012
Dr. Burlew and Family,
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. You and your family and in my thoughts and prayers. Judge Burlew was a very kind man who always had a smile on his face when I saw him. I am sure that he is in Heaven still smiling down on you and your family.
Mickey Goings
January 1, 2012
To Kathy, the girls, and my friend Randy, your family is in my prayers. Although we've suffered a great loss, we're all better people for having known John. I'll remember fondly our growing up in Kennedy Heights and our years at Walnut Hills.
Blessings,
Edith E
January 1, 2012
Kathy and Daughters I'd like to extend my deepest sympathies in your time of grief.
January 1, 2012
John was a memorable fellow student and athlete at Hanover College, IN who went on to achieve many notable personal and professional accomplishments.
He made the world a better place and I'm proud to have known him.
Phil Mullins, Bannockburn, IL
Rufus McCall
January 1, 2012
John will be missed but never forgotten. He was a kind and gentle man and a true friend, he was my hero. Thanks Kathy and the girls for sharing this wonderful, kind hearted man!
Rufus McCall (Cincinnati, Ohio)
January 1, 2012
Kathy, Randi and Robin,
We were so saddened to hear of John's sudden passing and extend our deepest sympathy to you. We will always remember him fondly for the fun times our families shared during family weekends and at graduation, while Randi and our daughter Kia were at Spelman.
Our sincere sympathy is with you at this difficult time, and you will remain in our thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Laurence and Jo Ann Scipio
January 1, 2012
My sincere and deepest sympathy to Kathy and the girls. John will be truly missed. Evelyn J. Williams (Riviera Beach, Fl.)
Carolyn Wilson
January 1, 2012
John was a great friend and great mentor to my sons. My love and sympathy goes out to Kathy and their daughters.
Carolyn A. Wilson
Sentinel Police Association , President
and my sons, (Donald, DJ, Rocky and Josh).
Vicky Mary
January 1, 2012
John is an inspiration for doing things the right way. I was lucky enough to know John and Kathy at Walnut Hills; their kindness, graciousness and friendliness are to be emulated. A person of integrity and honor.
January 1, 2012
Mr Burlew was a kind and gentle man. He will be truly missed. Thanks for all you have done for our family, John. - The White Family (Cincinnati, OH)
Laura Stith Deck
January 1, 2012
John was one of the wisest and kindest people. He will be missed. Thoughts and deepest sympathies to Kathy and the girls.
Dexter Dixon
January 1, 2012
I remember John as a tenacious student with an infectious laugh back a Walnut Hills High. He was an all-around good guy.
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