Edward Eugene Burner

Edward Eugene Burner, born March 12, 1920 died Friday, June 11, 2010 at the age of 90. Known by his friends as Eddie, Burner was involved in agriculture and ranching in the Tulare area for many years. Hunting, fishing and camping were among his many hobbies. Ed enjoyed community activities such as serving as board member on the first Tulare Row Crops Show (now known as the World Ag Expo), member of the Tulare Historical Society, Maple Melody Guild, and a Sales Manager for Tulare County Fair Livestock Committee. Some of Ed's accomplishments were breeding prize birds as President of The Golden State Budgerigar Society, he founded the Bayou Game Club, was the Player Manager for the Tulare Little League and spent many years as Community Leader for Palo Verde 4-H and Tulare County Hi 4-H. Eddie loved poetry and originated several cowboy poems. He often entertained his friends with turn of phrase that reflected the heartfelt and comical man he was. Tulare Class of 1939 led him to a diligent work ethic. Burner was Ranch Manager for Porter Estates Company and later enjoyed a long career with the USDA Soil Conservation Service in coordination with Lemoore Naval Air Station where he reached rank of GS11, Step 5. Eddie retired at 77 and kept on going. Eddie served on the Board of Directors for several irrigation districts. He had a unique talent for finding water which kept Burner busy "witching" wells for Bob Wiley Detention Center, dairies, ranchers and many farm families. Ed is survived by the love of his life, Ruth Burner. Married in the fall of 1942, they enjoyed more than sixty seven years together. He was preceded in death by oldest son Gary Burner, and survived by son Dennis Burner and wife Carole Burner, daughter Patty Burner Russell. "Happiness is being a grandparent" was Eddie's motto and was multiplied when he became a Great Grandpa. Surviving grandchildren and great grandchildren are Denise, Danell, Rance, Demi and RJ of Hanford, Ca., Lisa, Shaw, Jason and Delaney of Waukena, Ca., Sarah Sinatra, Steve and Chelsie Reeves of Caldwell, Id. Laurie Kimbal DeSousa and Ryann of Tulare, Ca., John DeSousa, Tulare, Ca. Michele Burner of Hanford, Ca., and Bradley Russell, Stuart Russell, and Karen Russell all of Tulare, Ca. Surviving siblings are Art Burner and Mildred Burner Grey, as well as several nieces and nephews. The life of Eddie Burner will be celebrated at St. Aloysius Church Wednesday, June 16th at 9:30 a.m., followed by interment at Tulare District Cemetery. The Family requests that any remembrances be sent to the charity of the individual's choice or the Maple Melody Guild for Retarded Children c/o Esther Gipson, 3190 West Judy Ave., Visalia, Ca 93277.