Carl Edward Burnley

Carl Edward Burnley was born March 14, 1940, and passed into glory March 24, 2023.

He was preceded in death by his father, Clyde Burnley; his mother, Allyne Burnley; brothers, John Burnley and Larry Burnley; and nephew, Chris Burnley.

He is survived by his wife of nearly 59 years Dorothy Burnley; sons, Carey Burnley (wife LaDonna), of Marionville, MO, and Coy Burnley (wife Lorie), of Kearney, MO; his sister, Alice Burnley; and his uncle, Dennis Crosby (wife Gwen); eight grandchildren, two great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

The eldest son of Clyde and Allyne Burnley, Carl was born in Houston, TX. After graduating from Sam Houston High School in 1959, Carl joined the Navy. Carl served from 1959 to 1963 aboard two destroyers, the USS O’Hare DD-889 and the USS Sampson DDG-10, its commissioning deployment.

Upon leaving the Navy in 1963, he rejoined his family in St. Louis. He attended First Baptist Church of Ferguson, where he met Dorothy Mandry. The two quickly became inseparable and were married May 2, 1964.

Carl’s life centered around three loves: Love of God, Love of Family, and Love of Trains. Carl spent most of his working days in the railroad industry as a remanufacturer of locomotive and freight car air brake systems with B & S Air Brake. In January 1968, he welcomed his first son, Carey.  He was also ordained as a deacon at First Baptist of Ferguson on December 3, 1972.

Carl would move with B & S, first to southern Arkansas, and again to East Texas. While in Arkansas, Carl would welcome his second son, Coy in 1974. Carl was a gifted singer and enjoyed singing bass in gospel quartets. Carl continued to serve God as a deacon, singing in gospel quartets, and church choirs throughout.

After retirement Carl and Dorothy moved to Marionville, MO, to be near his seven grandchildren. The birth of the eighth grandchild prompted them to relocate yet again to the Kansas City area. Eventually he would land in Buckner, MO. Carl’s s love of God would again see him singing and serving. Along with other dedicated volunteers Carl worked to help build the daycare center at the First Baptist Church of Buckner.

In time, age and health concerns prompted him and Dorothy to move in with his youngest son, Coy in Kearney, MO. Carl spent his final days surrounded by family and his forever loving wife, Dorothy.

Genesis 5:23-24 says “So all the days of Enoch were 365 years. Enoch walked with God: and he was not, for God took him. “

So all the days of Carl Burnley were 83 years. Carl walked with God; and he was not, for God took him.

Celebration of Life to be held at First Baptist Church of Buckner, 131 South Hudson Street, Buckner, MO on Saturday, April 15, 2023, visitation at 10 a.m., followed by service at 11 a.m.

Arrangements in care of Bross & Spidle Funeral Home, Kearney.