Walter E. Burr

Walter E. Burr
January 10, 2021
Merced, California - Walter E. Burr, 96 years young passed away January 10, 2021.
Walter loved Merced. A resident for over 70 years who enjoyed Saturday morning donuts with friends, playing poker and making a difference through service. He was born and raised in New Jersey until enrolling in Rutgers University College of Agriculture. Shortly after entering college and Pearl Harbor's attack, he enlisted in the Navy where he became a Naval Officer and decorated fighter pilot flying Corsairs from the deck of the aircraft carrier Essex. He was honored to be one of the fighter pilots who flew over the USS Missouri during the signing of the end of WWII on September 2, 1945. After leaving active duty, he returned to Rutgers to complete his degree.
Walter married Jean in 1948. They were married for over 60 years until Jean's passing. His work with Ralston Purina moved them to Merced soon after their marriage. He was a business owner, real estate agent and an appraiser in the Merced County Assessor's Office until retirement.
Walter continued to love flying, including performing trick maneuvers. He was appointed to the Merced Airport Commission for 2 terms. After retiring, he was appointed to the Merced City Planning Commission where he served for 8 years.
In 2014, he flew on the inaugural Veterans Honor Flight from Atwater. H enjoyed being interviewed by the Merced SunStar, high school students and NPR radio about his experiences during WWII.
Upon his passing, Walter was the oldest passing exalted ruler for the Merced Elks Lodge 1240.
Walter is survived by his daughter, Kim; granddaughters, A'nalei, Elyssa and her husband Jon.
A memorial service in his honor will be held outside at Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home, located at 1490 B Street, Merced, on Friday, January 22, 2021 In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully request that donations may be made to the California/Hawaii Elks Major Project, c/o Merced Elks Lodge 1240, 5450 E. Lamona Ave, Fresno, Ca 93727. Please make checks out to C.H.E.M.P.I.at 3:00 p.m. Family and friends are welcome.