Bryan Harris Burleson

A wonderful husband to his beloved wife Susan, he was also a wonderful father, stepfather, son, grandfather, brother-in-law, and uncle to many. When they married in 1983, Bryan and Susan pledged to become parents to one another’s children, Christine L. Burleson, Derek A. Burleson, Paul S. Doleshal, and Jacob M. Doleshal. He was an example to all of them on how to live with gusto and honor. He showed them how to be responsible for one another, to work hard and also play hard. He sacrificed much during his life to make sure his family had everything they needed. Bryan and Susan attended many wrestling, football and baseball games with the kids, as well as taking some memorable trips to visit the kids and friends far away.

Bryan served four years in the Air Force before going to work with the Federal Aviation Administration where he worked for 31 years in Air Traffic Control. He was a Flight Service Specialist, Training Specialist, Supervisor, Facility Manager and a Branch Manager in the Regional Office until his retirement in 2000.

And what a wonderful, long retirement it was. Among his travels was a cattle drive, for one day, with his friends Herman Lyons and Roy Scott. Boy, did they make us all laugh with their misadventures! Another adventure was with Susan and his mother-in-law, whom he loved dearly, on a wagon train to the Tetons. Bryan and Susan enjoyed RV travel for years, including five years as campground hosts in Idaho. No one can say they didn’t have fun, treasuring every moment. And many, many trips to Texas to visit Bryan’s Mom and his precious family there. Trips from one end of the country to the other to visit family and friends, too numerous to mention. Bryan had favorite restaurants in many cities and towns.

Family and friends were important to him and time with them all was joyous. Four or five years ago, cognitive difficulties started and he slowly succumbed to his illnesses. We choose to remember him as his gregarious, generous self. He wasn’t the least bit temperamental (not), but he was loved just the same. His hugs were the best.

Bryan was a Christian man who loved the Lord and was a member of Open Door Baptist church. He especially enjoyed learning the Bible, learning how to live a Christian life and singing songs in church. He belted them right out right to the end.

Bryan leaves his wife of 38 years, Susan A. Burleson. In addition to his children listed above, he also leaves his daughter-in-law Christy Doleshal who joined his family in 2000, when she married Paul. Grandsons Benjamin Doleshal, Dakota Jackson and great-grandsons Decker and Dax Jackson were joyously celebrated. Granddaughter Amelia Doleshal was a light in his life. Daughter- in-law Eva Liu Doleshal came into his life in 2010 when she married Jake. He leaves his brother-in-law William Waye and sister-in-law Edie, along with sister and brother-in-law Deborah and Greg Ham, who were always close by and ready to have a family get together or even a camping trip. Mother-in-law Mary Jane Gibson and father-in-law David Gibson were important fixtures of Bryan’s daily life.

He was especially close to his Texas family. Nieces Sherry Davis and Joan Warren, nephews Eddie Winston and wife Leda, Jeff Winston and wife Dorothy, Jerry Winston and wife Bonnie and Raymond Mangum. He also had numerous great nieces and nephews here in the Kansas City area and in Uvalde, San Antonio and San Angelo, Texas. And finally, we can’t forget his love for his dogs, Bevo, Duke and Hershey.

Bryan forever missed his father Clarence A. Burleson, his beloved mother Phyllis H. Burleson, his sister Alberta Burleson Spurgers, his older brother Tommy J. Burleson, who all predeceased him much too soon. Also gone too soon for Bryan were his father-in-law William H. Waye and nephew Ryan B. Waye.

If anyone wishes to donate in Bryan’s name in lieu of flowers, the Alzheimer’s Association is suggested.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday April 19, 2022 from 1:00-2:00 pm followed by Memorial Services at 2:00 pm at the Chapel Hill Butler Funeral Home. 701 North 94th St. Kansas City, KS 66112.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.chapelhill-butler.com for the Burleson family.