Cecil Edwin McBurnett, often called "Mac," age 90, of Muskogee, Oklahoma was born September 14, 1921, in Haskell, OK to George W. and Monnie Lee (Bogardus) McBurnett. He passed this life on Sunday, February 19th, 2012, in Muskogee while in care of St. Francis Hospice and surrounded by the love and comfort of his family. Edwin's parents were farmers. Being the eldest son of 10 children, he often drove the mules and wagon to town with produce. Edwin attended grade school at Spring Hill; later graduating from Porter High School. At age16, and while still attending High School at Porter, Edwin started driving the school bus. At age18, he joined the army and fought in active duty during World War II, serving in France and Germany. Edwin worked through the military ranks to become Staff Sergeant and was honorably discharged, receiving the Silver Star. After returning home from the army, he married Anna Belle Shover, and had three daughters. His 1948, red Ford Pickup truck, with its home built bench seats and wood camper shell, became the neighborhood school bus for several years. Edwin was a craftsman who enjoyed designing and building cradles, furniture, Martin bird houses, and pet houses (in many made-to-order designs) for friends and family. Edwin worked in sales and service at Sears and often helped neighbors install well pumps. He later retired from Corning Glass Company. He also had a lawn mower repair shop. During his life, Edwin loved to write poetry and was recognized as a writer with the ability to turn words into beautiful works of art. He enjoyed work and family, and for more than 30 years, traditional Friday evening dinners with his children and grandchildren. Edwin was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, George, Jr. and Robert (Bill) McBurnett and two sisters, Ruby Puckett and Ruth Sikes. He is survived by three daughters, Cecilia Edwina Garner and husband John of Park Hill, OK, Dorothy Charlene McBurnett of Muskogee, OK and Sherry Ann Rosson and husband Leroy of Sibley, MO. Two brothers, Paul McBurnett and wife Verna of Riddle, OR and James McBurnett and wife Hazel Faye of Muskogee. Three sisters, Helen Zinz of Tulsa, OK, Mildred Ewing and husband Joe of Muskogee, OK and Betty McBurnett of Bremerton, WA, four grandchildren, nine great grandchildren, numerous other relatives, and a host of friends. A memorial service will be held at 12:30 p.m. on Friday at the Crescent Valley Baptist Church. Burial, with military honors, will follow at 2:00 p.m. in the U.S. National Cemetery at Fort Gibson, Oklahoma. Funeral services are under the direction of Shipman's Muskogee Cremation & Funeral Service.
(The Muskogee Phoenix, Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2012)