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Major Charles R. Burris, Jr.
December 3, 2017Major Charles R. Burris, Jr., retired Delaware State Trooper, age 79, of New Castle, DE, passed away December 3, 2017.
He was born in Wilmington, DE to the late Charles R. Burris, Sr. and Elizabeth P. Burris.
A loving father and grandfather, Charlie was raised in New Castle and was a graduate of William Penn High School, class of 1956.
After graduating he started a career as a mason, following in his father’s footsteps, honing skills that would prove useful throughout his life. He used these skills to build the home where he raised his family.
He served in the Delaware National Guard from 1956 to 1962. In 1963 he joined the Delaware State Police where he proudly served for twenty years prior to retiring at the rank of Major. After retiring from the State Police he worked for the Department of Motor Vehicles as a hearing officer and later for the Department of Public Safety as a defensive driving instructor.
Although he lived most of his life in New Castle, Charlie enjoyed traveling in his RV. He and his wife Shirley undertook a yearlong cross country trip, before becoming snowbirds and settling for winters in Florida. He could always be found reading his Kindle, sharing recipes, many of which he made and excelled at, and enjoying a refreshing libation.
Charlie was predeceased by his wife of 15 years, Shirley C. Burris, and his grandson, Skyler C. Burris.
He will be sadly missed by his daughters, Barbara Kessler (Steve) and Susan L. Horne (Tim); son, Charles R. (C.R.) Burris, III (Alison); grandchildren, Brian Kessler, Daltrey Burris, Rheannon Burris, Brendan Horne, Brett Horne and Stephanie Horne.
A visitation will be held Saturday, December 16 from 10:30-11:45 at Gebhart Funeral Home, 531 Delaware St., New Castle, 19720 with a memorial service immediately following. Internment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to the Delaware State Police Museum, Attn: Kevin McDerby, 1425 N. DuPont Hwy., Dover, DE 19901.
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