Gilbert Olin Burris, 81

HARTLY - Gilbert Olin Burris, of Hartly, died on Friday, Feb. 1, 2008, in Bayhealth-Kent General Hospital, Dover. He was 81.

Gilbert was born on Jan. 12, 1927, to the late Olin and Martha Schweitzer Burris in Hartly where he continued to reside as a Hartly native and lifelong resident of Burris Road.

Gilbert served his country with the U.S. Army overseas in Japan shortly following World War II.

Upon his return from the service, he actively farmed his land using the same techniques as those of his late father.

In 1961, Gilbert completed the construction of his brick framed rancher just down the road from his childhood home.

Built by his own labor, Gilbert moved his young family into their new home where he and his wife continued to raise their four children.

In 1984, he retired from the Delaware Department of Transportation after 30 years of service.

He was predeceased by his loving wife and best friend of 49 years, Julia E. Gunter Burris of Marydel in 1997.

Gilbert is survived by his sons, Gary M. Burris and his wife Terry of Marydel, Robin W. Burris and his wife Donna of Smyrna, Russell J. Burris and his fiance Nancy Jones of Brownsville; a daughter, Sandy Sutton of Colorado Springs, Colo.; a sister, Dorothy Pearson of Hartly; special in-law and caregiver, Ann and Phil Gunter of Marydel; five grandchildren, Anne Marie Miller, Laura Sutton, Catherine Sutton, Harrison Burris, and Garrett Burris; and one great-grandchild, Hannah Miller.

Friends may call from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Thursday in the Trader Funeral Home Inc., 12 Lotus St., Dover, where funeral services will follow.

Instead of flowers, contributions in Gilbert's memory may be made to Delaware Hospice Care, 911 S. DuPont Highway, Dover, DE 19901.