BURLESON

John Erik Burleson was born on January 8, 1971 to John Joel Burleson and Ruemma Frizzell Taylor in Stephenville, Texas.

Funeral services for Erik were held Tuesday, Feb. 1st at Cottonwood Baptist Church with Mike Fritscher officiating. Burial followed at Pecan Cemetery, near the Purvis Community in Erath County.

Erik graduated from the Texas A&M fire academy in March of 1991 and promptly married Sylvia Parham Burleson on April 26, 1991 at the First Christian Church in Stephenville.

He left behind his children:

Emily Burleson Gray -Mandala and husband Anthony Gray-Mandala, their daughter (his cherished granddaughter) Addie Jean Gray-Mandala, John Brayden Burleson and his fiancée Shannon Keller, and James Laramie Burleson and girlfriend Faith Thomas.

A Sister Michelle Taylor of Bluff Dale, Texas

Brothers Chris Taylor of Bluff Dale, Ryan Taylor of Marble Falls, and Ty Taylor of Bluff Dale

Parents John and Cerelle Burleson of Ft. Worth and Steve and Rue Taylor of Bluff Dale

Because of their expanding family through marriage, Erik liked to say that he and Sylvia had three boys and a girl (plus a granddaughter) and they were fixing to have two more girls.

If you knew Erik you know that he was a fighter. Erik worked as a fireman for 28 years in Brownwood, North Richland Hills and Stephenville. As a first responder he fought fires and fought to save people’s lives on a daily basis. He was an experienced and trusted manager for several EMS services and for the last 10 years he served as the Air Evac Lifeteam Program Director of the Eastland AEL 115 Base.

He was a strong Bible believing Christian. Over his adult life he served the church as a men’s pastor, led Wild at Heart Groups and A local Chapter of Legacy Outfitters, a men’s Ministry out of Waco, Texas.

As an involved father he loved the years he was able to coach his boys in baseball, teach his boys a strong work ethic, and always treasured the time spent with them in the outdoors fishing, hunting and camping with them. He also enjoyed teaching them to build homes as he was also a building contractor having built many homes in the area.

Erik and Sylvia have been instrumental in building and leading a strong marriage ministry at Cottonwood Church. They planned huge dinners and events, created a muti generational community and made counseling a priority.

Erik will be missed greatly but the impact he has made on those who have been blessed enough to know him is an eternal one.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers you might consider contributing to Erik’s boy’s college and flight school funds. They will also be creating a scholarship for Fire Academy and paramedic school at a later date. Any contribution is greatly appreciated. Contributions can be made immediately through Cottonwood Church, 273, County Road 527, Dublin, TX 76446 or soon at First Financial Bank in Stephenville.