Palestine High School Alumni Association

Charles Elmer Burris, 81, Palestine, Texas, slipped quietly from this world Nov. 8, 2011 to meet his heavenly Father. He was surrounded and supported through his journey by his loving family including his spouse, children and grandchildren. Mr. Burris passed away in Tyler at The East Texas Hospice HomePlace.  He was born June 4, 1930 in Palestine, Texas to the late Charles and Grace Burris.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, November 19 at 10 a.m. at Herrington / Land of Memory Funeral Home Chapel, Palestine, Texas with the Rev. Theo Johnson officiating.

He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Dorthe Burris of Palestine.  He is also survived by a daughter and son in law, Cathy and Tony Chasteen of Granbury; daughter and son in law Bit and George Cox also of Granbury; son and daughter in law Chuck and Betty Burris of Lindale and son Chris Burris of Tyler. Other survivors include step-daughter Corinne Poole and husband Marion of Palestine, and step-sons Clint Perry of Monte Ray, California and Philip Perry and wife Jeanne of Elgin, 14 grandchildren, several great grandchildren and his beloved pet Bonnie.

Mr. Burris grew up in Palestine and graduated from Palestine High in 1949.  He served as a member of the National Guard out of Bryan, TX and was employed at Texas A & M University in Bryan. Upon moving to Palestine, he went to work with the National Scientific Balloon Facility where he retired after a long and successful career.

Mr. Burris served the Palestine and Anderson county area as an amateur radio operator and was honored for over 50 years as a licensed operator with the call sign K5EPE. He was a member of the Palestine/Anderson County Amateur Radio Club where he served in many officer positions.

His other interests included riding motorcycles and being the “pit crew” for his sons as they participated in years of motocross racing across the state. Picking the guitar, fishing, model planes and trains and computers were also among his many other interests.

The family would like to thank the doctors and staff of Mother Frances Hospital in Tyler and Palestine and The Hospice of East Texas Home Place in Tyler for the care and dignity provided throughout the experience. The family encourages donations be made to The Hospice of East Texas Home Place, 4111 University Blvd., Tyler, TX 75701.

View online at www.herringtonfuneral.com.