Jimmy Lee Burwell, age 71 of Leonardville, KS, died Dec. 23, 2013 at the Clay County Medical Center in Clay Center, KS.
He was born on Aug. 22, 1942 in Hope, Kansas, the son of Johnny and Elma (Kappelman) Burwell.
He married Berniece Forrester on Feb. 21, 1962, they later divorced. To this union was born two sons, Terry and James Scott and two daughters, Tracy and Christina. He married Paula Lauree Bennett on June 23, 1983, they later divorced. To this union was born one son, Justin and one daughter, Jamie.
Jimmy drove an 18 wheeler for many years with the handle of “Traveling Man.” He loved playing his guitar, old cars and working as a “shade tree mechanic,” he could fix anything. His favorite places to shop were McDonald Salvage and Clay Center Salvage. One of his sayings was “why buy new when used would do!” He enjoyed driving the country roads with his good friend Marilyn Mall, looking for wild turkeys and deer.
He is survived by his children, Terry Burwell and wife LeeAnne of Salina, Tracy McDonald and husband Bryce of Leonardville, Scott Burwell and wife Melanie of San Diego, CA, Christina Desmarais of Salina, Jamie Holmes and husband Shaun of Manhattan, Justin Burwell and wife Nikki of Manhattan; three brothers, Jerry Burwell of Herington, Joe W. Burwell and wife Peggy of Longview, WA, Jesse P. Burwell and wife Debbie of Virginia Beach, VA; three sisters, Judy Ricketts of Clay Center, Janice Rood of Leonardville and Jean Rozean of Salina; 11 grandchildren, Jennifer, Taylor, Nick, Nathan, Ben, Chace, Chayton, Jazlyn, Katie, Marissa and Dakota; one great granddaughter, Autumn and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, step-father James Davis and three brothers, John (Jack) Burwell, Jay D. Burwell and Jeffrey L. Davis.
Cremation is planned with memorial services being held at 10:30 A.M. Saturday, April 12, 2014 at the Anderes-Pfeifley Funeral Home in Riley, Kansas. Burial will be in the Hope City Cemetery in Hope, Kansas.