Jessie Harwell Burrow

Jessie Harwell Burrow, of Austin, Texas, passed away May 28, 2023, at the age of 89. Jessie was born on November 15, 1933 in Estancia, New Mexico, the son of Emmett and Dora Burrow. He would eventually move to Sabinal, Texas, to be raised by his loving Uncle and Aunt, Ralph and Annie Burrow. He graduated High School in Sabinal, and continued his education at Southwest Texas Jr. College and then transferred to the University of Texas at Austin on a tennis and football scholarship.

In 1953, he married his high school sweetheart, Jane Burditt, and then enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1954. Jessie would remain enlisted for 7 1/2 years. He received his commission through OCS and would go on to Navigator training and spend the next 21 years flying in C-130's. He traveled the world, participating in various campaigns, most of which were kept secret, even from his family to this very day. We do know that his orders included the Cuban Missile Crisis and then more than 5 years in Vietnam. He was given the high honor of being selected to attend the prestigious Command and Staff College in Alabama. Following Alabama, he came back to Lackland AFB in Texas as a commander, then transferred to Kelly AFB as the Disaster Preparedness Officer. He would end his career at Little Rock Air Force Base, back in the air, training young men in his beloved C-130. Jessie earned numerous decorations, medals and awards throughout his varied career. He loved his job and it was an honor for him to serve our great country.

After retiring, trying to figure out what to do with all of his spare time, he started showing poodles in conformation. Along with his wife, they became one of the the top breeders and handlers in the United States and enjoyed the ring for more than 25 years.

Jessie is survived by his wife of almost 70 years, Jane Burrow. His daughters Deborah McDonald and husband Rand, Diana Burrow, Dolly Ames and husband Michael, 4 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren and sister Evelyn Daubert. His greatest joy in life was his family and his beloved dogs. It was an honor to be able to call him Husband, Dad, or Papa.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, the American Cancer Society, or the Wounded Warrior Project.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.cookwaldencapitalparks.com for the Burrow family.