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John Burleson Obituary
Dec. 14, 1956 - Aug. 19, 2022
John Edward Burleson, Jr. went to be with his Lord and Savior on August 19, 2022.
John is survived by his wife, Debra; his children, Jim (Kristi), Scott (Catherine), and Meg; his grandchildren, Lucy and Jane; his mother, Carolyne; and his brother, Charles.
A lifelong resident of Waco, TX, John graduated from Richfield High School in 1975, Baylor University in 1979, and Baylor Law School in 1981. John was a long-time member of Columbus Avenue Baptist Church, where he married Debra in 1979. He served the church in numerous capacities including Sunday School Director and Deacon. John had a unique gift for service, a gift he sought to use wherever needed.
He faithfully worked at the same law firm his entire career, eventually becoming a partner. He served in many local organizations, including the Optimist Club, Rotary, the Board of Directors at First National Bank of Central Texas, mentor through Kids Hope USA, Greater Waco Legal Services, and others, most for a decade or longer.
John was a devoted champion of his Baylor Bears. With his family in tow, John traveled thousands of miles to watch Baylor games and rarely missed a football, basketball, or baseball game at home.
His family was privileged to watch him live out his faith to the end, looking forward to heaven yet not wanting to leave us. He was our steady rock, guiding us along our journey. We mourn his passing, but celebrate a life well lived.
We especially want to thank his friends who drove him to MD Anderson and sat with him through treatments. We want to thank the countless doctors, nurses, and staff at MDA who cared for John throughout his diagnoses of CLL and Hodgkin's Lymphoma and ultimately his successful stem cell transplant.
In lieu of flowers, we encourage donations to Kids Hope USA through Columbus Avenue Baptist Church, the Waco Symphony Foundation, or Compassion Ministries. We also encourage anyone who is able (ages 18-40) to register as a potential donor through Be the Match, as we saw firsthand the importance of this vital registry.
There will be a gathering of remembrance Friday evening from 5-6:30 p.m. at Fellowship Hall, Columbus Avenue Baptist Church. Please join the family for a Celebration of Life at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, August 27th, in the sanctuary at Columbus Avenue Baptist Church, 1300 Columbus Avenue. Visitation will be available during business hours Thursday and Friday at Connally-Compton, 4400 West Waco Drive.
Memories and Condolences
for John Burleson
Sponsored by Connally-Compton Funeral Directors.
Paula Sims
August 19, 2025
The thoughts and prayers from our family are with the Burlesons also. Remember the many great times together with John.
Lynett L Holder
August 18, 2025
Prayers are with you Deborah and family! John was a dear friend growing up
Larry Gatewood
November 18, 2022
Baylor friends and just friends of John,
I got to know John and his family in1968, when I helped in a basketball league...John was very competitive and could give you a look that could kill.
In the summer of 1970, I had the first Basketball Camp in Texas...The name was
Camp Roundball...John and Charlie were campers that first year. They came every year.
Their parents helped me a lot...
John called a lot of my games as a Waco Official...I was the basketball coach at University High Schoo...My goal in games that he called...was to make him smile...He called time out in one game and pulled me out to mid-court...He informed me that he was going to give me a technical foul...If I continued to make him smile...I informed him that he was welcome to "T" me up...As he walked away...I called his name...He turned and looked at me...My response was..."Come on John, smile one more time...He said Gatewood...you make me so mad...
Right now John is in "HEAVEN" smiling down on all of us and my guess is...He won't be mad anymore..
'I LOVE YOU JOHN
Larry Gatewood
Gary McFarlen
October 3, 2022
To Debra, your children and grandchildren, and John´s mother,
I just learned of John´s passing, yesterday. I am deeply saddened for his passing and your collective loss. John embodied a true Christian example. He had a wonderful manner of counseling and resolving conflict and making you feel appreciated. I have many fond memories of him. He even reached out and made contact during the pandemic to see how we were doing. You will be in my thoughts and prayers. Please pass along my gratitude to his Mom, for raising such a fine son and letting me help her with computer issues those many years ago. - Gary
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Brandon Brenner (your mailman)
September 3, 2022
I'm so sorry for your loss but rejoice that he is being welcomed in heaven with our Father. Your family will be in our prayers for God's comfort to be showered on you.
Rene Taylor
August 31, 2022
Debra~ So incredibly sad to hear of John's passing. He was such a wonderful person..and he will be greatly missed by all who knew him! Sending prayers for peace and comfort for you and yours... much love, Rene and Bryan Taylor
Nancy Latham
August 30, 2022
Debra so sorry for you and your family. Your hearts will always remember the good times and memories you shared. My prayers are with you.
Clare Gellerup Taylor
August 27, 2022
May his soul rest in eternal peace
Paula and Wes Sims
August 26, 2022
Our deepest sympathy and prayers are uplifted to the entire Burleson family over the loss of John. His memory will be cherished by many and may those memories grant peace and comfort to each of you. With love, Paula and Wes Sims
Ashley Gartner Sutton
August 26, 2022
The Gartner family thought so highly of John and your family. We are so sorry for your loss, yet rejoicing for the life he lived. We will miss seeing him at the games.
Michael Bancale
August 25, 2022
Mrs Burleson, it is with great sadness that I read about the passing of your husband. It is easy to see that he is a great person who serves God in everything he does. I believe he is continuing his service with our Lord in Heaven now. I pray they God will help you and your family as you deal with this loss.
Ann Lindsey
August 25, 2022
Debra, we are heartbroken for you. May you know the Lord's comfort and peace. Our deepest sympathy.
Duane and Ann Lindsey
J. Barton
August 25, 2022
My brother, Jon Barton, and John were good friends foe many years. I remember John fondly and I am sorry at his passsing. God bless him and his family.
Sally Nelson McGowan
August 25, 2022
Wonderful memories of John from high school. I always remember how intelligent he was. John had a very kind heart in high school and cared about others. Very glad that I got to see him a few times over the years. Thank you John for wonderful memories!
Mark & Amanda Stewart
August 25, 2022
John will be dearly missed. He displayed God in his work and for that I'm blessed to have worked with him. Peace be with the family!
Holley & Mark Walsh
August 24, 2022
Our lives have been enriched by having known John. His friendship leaves an indelible imprint in our heart. We loved him very much and were so privileged to call him our friend. Mark and I are on vacation this week, so sadly we will miss his Home-going celebration of a beautiful life well lived. We are praying for the sweet peace of Jesus to uplift your family and you.
Deane Johnson
August 24, 2022
When life ceases on earth eternal life begins welcoming John to a life of joy and no pain or sadness.. I know Ed was first in line, Judge Burleson waited for all the family to welcome John with hugs and kisses then Judge Burleson grabbed him, "My grandson" life begins in Heaven. Think of all who left before him, waiting right behind God. It was the moment we all wait for. John we will all miss you. I love when you called me Ms Joe...love to all of the family. Deane Johnson
Clint and Julie Wolfe
August 24, 2022
Debra and family, our love, thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time. John was a good man who was always kind to us. He lived for His Lord and was so faithful. He will be missed!
Katie Kaga
August 24, 2022
I will miss my basketball friend. Baylor Men´s games won´t be the same. I know he´ll be cheering loud and proud up above.
David Lacy
August 24, 2022
Besides being as fine a person as I have ever known .... John´s humility was boundless . Many times I got calls from John asking for information about low income folks in Waco who were getting legal advice from literally the best atty in Waco . He helped them through tough times and charged them little to nothing . He wanted few to know and to give him credit for these actions . Typical John . Many will miss John Burleson .
Lynett Leggott Holder
August 24, 2022
Prayers to Carolyn, Debra and entire family that loved John!!!
Gene Fisseler
August 24, 2022
John Burleson was the best man I´ve known. A good friend for more than fifty years. I miss him.
I have very few photos from our high years together, but I´ve uploaded one that brings a smile. From a pep rally or some such foolishness. John is on the left and I´m on the right, bookending a group of our classmates. We had us some fun.
Debra and family, let me know if there´s anything I can do for y´all. I´ll see you this weekend.
Lisa Fennelly Lynch
August 24, 2022
Debra - I am so very sorry to hear of the passing of John. He and Jon Barton were great friends and I was Jon's sister Jan's good friend. I even babysat for Charles a couple of times during high school. Many good memories with those two back in the days. He & Jon are now reunited and probably cutting up with each other as I write this. Jan is on a European vacation, but I did send her a phone message to let her know. Sending prayers for you and the family!
Bobby Jacobs
August 24, 2022
Ms. Debra Burleson,
& Family
We thank GOD for sharing John's life with our family.
B. Jacobs
Carla Jones
August 24, 2022
So sorry Debra, prayers for you and family, may peace, love and comfort surround you in the days ahead
Marinell Hargrove
August 24, 2022
Condolences for your loss.
Becky Campbell Roche
August 24, 2022
Debra - We are on a trip so sadly, I will not be able to attend the celebration of John´s life. He has so many wonderful friends that I know the stories and remembrances will be very special. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
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