Burlie Mccowen

Burlie Paul McCowen left this earth to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, December 16, 2021 in San Antonio, Texas.

Burlie Paul was born on February 8, 1925 in Pioneer, Texas. He was preceded in death by his wife, Verma Lee (Montgomery) McCowen, and his parents, Charlie Milton and Ruby (Curry) McCowen.  Burlie was the first of seven children and was preceded in death by two sisters, Charlene McGowen and Naomi McCowen, and one brother, James (Jimmy) McCowen.

Burlie is survived by one daughter, Diane Pattison, husband Bruce; and two sons, David Paul, wife Janet and William Olen (Bill), wife Carie; by two brothers Bob and Reub McCowen, one sister Bonita Horton; three granddaughters Lori Coiner and husband Richard, Mollie Steiwig and husband Craig, Emily Simmons and husband Jared Ross, Melanie Jobe and husband Chris, Tommy Janusz, Nathan Janusz, five great grandchildren (Cinco, Chloe, Carly, Coleman and Cam), numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.  Burlie was a loving and caring husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and brother.

Burlie grew up around Pioneer and Cross Plains, Texas attending both Pioneer and Cross Plains Schools graduating high school in 1942.  He served in the US Navy. After returning from World War II, he graduated from Hardin Simmons University in 1947 with a major in English and minor in violin. He was 2nd Chair violinist in the orchestra. Over the years he taught school, worked for Social Security in the San Angelo and Abilene areas, farmed in the Cross Plains area, and retired from the Abilene Public Library.  He was an assistant pastor and he loved sharing his Christian faith.

Burlie met his wife Verma Montgomery in Cross Plains, Texas and lived there off and on until they purchased a farm in Hawley, Texas in the 1990’s.  Burlie lost his wife after 56 years together and stayed at their Hawley farm until suffering a fall in September 2021. He enjoyed playing tennis, working crossword puzzles, gardening, traveling in his RV, and reading the Bible. He loved his pets Buster and Gracie.

Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. on Tuesday, December 28, 2021 at Elmwood Funeral Home 5750 Hwy 277 South.  Funeral service will be at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, December 29, 2021 at Elmwood Funeral Home Chapel.