Judge C. Robert Bob Burner, age 81, of Warsaw, IN passed away Wednesday, July 20, 2011 at 3:50 PM in Kosciusko Community Hospital Warsaw, IN. He was born September 1, 1929 in Connersville, IN to Charles A. and Irene (Mustin) Burner.
On May 6, 1961, in Warsaw, IN he was united in marriage to Sheila K. LaGarde. He was a Warsaw, In resident since 1959.
Bob served in the United States Army, stationed in Japan, and was honorably discharged as a Tech 5 in 1947. He received his bachelors Degree from Indiana University in 1956 and was a graduate from the Indiana University School of Law in 1959 receiving a Juris Doctorate. After moving to Warsaw in 1959 he practiced law for the firm of Snodgrass and Burner and beginning in 1964 he served as a Warsaw City Court Judge. In 1976 he was among the first group of County Court Judges and served as Kosciusko County Court Judge until 1979. In 1979 he was appointed Superior Court 1 Judge where he served until his retirement in 1996. Following retirement he served as Senior Judge for the counties of Kosciusko, Marshall and Wabash. During his tenure Burner was instrumental in the development of the Area Plan Commission for Kosciusko County.
Also, his work in establishing juvenile rehabilitation programs was widely recognized.
He was longtime member of the Warsaw Aero Modelers and was actively involved in the Warsaw Little League as a Coach and Board Member for 20 years. In addition, he was a member of Pierceton Masonic Lodge #377, Fort Wayne Valley Scottish Rite, Mizpah Shrine Temple Fort Wayne, IN, Kosciusko County Shrine Club where he was a member of the Mini-Bike Patrol, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #1126 Warsaw, IN, Past President Phi Kappa Tau Fraternity, Indiana State Bar Association and St. Annes Episcopal Church Warsaw, IN. Bob received the Sagamore of the Wabash in 1996 from then Governor Evan Bayh. The award is bestowed upon individuals who have rendered distinguish service to the State or Governor.
Bob is survived by his wife Sheila Burner of Warsaw, IN; sons Kurt Burner of New Haven, IN, Kevin (spouse Rebecca) Burner of Champaign, IL; daughters Kristi (spouse Todd) Medert of Fort Wayne, IN, Kathy Burner of Auburn, IN, Karin Burner of Warsaw, IN; 5 granddaughters and 5 grandsons. Furthermore, he is survived by sisters Quelda (spouse Ray) Meek of Glen Allen, MS and Sharon (spouse John)Sullivan of Hagerstown, IN.
He was preceded by his parents and brother Leo.
A Funeral Mass will be held Wednesday July 27, 2011 at 10:00 AM in St. Annes Episcopal Church Warsaw, IN. Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 8:00 PM Tuesday July 26, 2011 at St. Anne's Episcopal Church with a Masonic Memorial Service at 8:00 PM conducted by Pierceton Masonic Lodge #377. The Reverend Corinne Hodges and The Reverend Brian Grantz will officiate the Funeral Mass. Interment will be in the St. Annes Columbarium.
Military rites will be rendered by the American Legion Post #49, the VFW Post #1126 and the ARNG Honor Guards. McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapel Warsaw, IN is entrusted with arrangements.
Memorial Contributions may be made to:
Shriners Hospitals for Children
2900 Rocky Point Dr.
Tampa, FL 33607
St. Annes Episcopal Church
424 W. Market St.
Warsaw, IN 46580
Kosciusko Home Care and Hospice
P.O. Box 1196
Warsaw, Indiana 46581-1196