Eugene "Sonny" Burchell

Hello from down here. It's been a total of 16 years. Missing you. I don't remember much about my childhood these days, but my memory of you floods every so often, so here I am talking to you. I thought I'd forget how your voice sounded, the way your house smelled, what your hands felt like...but I haven't forgotten any of that at all. Frankly the day you left this Earth still feels like yesterday to me. I wish I'd gotten more time with you. Our souls were connected, and at times I wish I...

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome...

Dana, I'm truely sorry for your loss.
Leo Smyth

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

to mom, patty,karen dana, you are in my prayers and thoughts. i miss dad very much. i love you all. deb

To John, Missy, Lauren and Tatum:

Peace, love and prayers to you. From Lauren's essay on "Dedication" and from Veteran and Honor Flight pictures, I'm glad I got to know Papa Sonny. His pictures will be a permanent part of of Veteran Wall of Fame each year.

Thanks for bringing him to the Greenwood Veteran program at West Park Place. It was nice to have met him.

May the Honor Flight trip from Toledo to Washington, D.C. on October 29th remain a cherished memory. The...

Knowing Mr. Burchell the last eleven years have been a great pleasure. It was great having Santa right at the tip of your fingers. I still remember the first time my son saw him sitting outside during the summer in his shorts, tee and suspenders. Tylon was six years old and so excited. He told everyone that day he met the "real Santa", because he looked just like him but with shorts. Knowing him kept the kid alive in many of us. He will be missed!

My thoughts are with you the family on your loss. Sonny was a very wonderful man. He will be missed dearly and will never be forgotten.