September 1, 2021 at 2:35 p.m.
Elza Carl Burlew, 97, of Hope
Elza Carl Burlew, 97, of Hope, peacefully entered into the presence of Our Lord on August 23, 2021 at 7:07 PM surrounded by loved ones at Our Hospice of South Central Indiana in Columbus. He was born on July 7, 1924, in Butler, Kentucky to Raymond and Hallie Burlew.
He married the love of his life, his “baby”, Barbara “Barbie” Lee Rucker Burlew on January 1, 1949 in Vevay, Indiana. They celebrated their 71st wedding anniversary last year, prior to her passing, and resided together in Hope for 68 years, before she went home to Our Lord last February.
Growing up in Kentucky, he was a skilled and handy farmer on his family’s land. He enlisted in the Navy in 1946, serving on the USS Yosemite until his honorable discharge in 1948. He then went on to a successful career at Cummins Engine Company until his retirement in July of 1986.
Family was always Carl and Barbie's absolute first priority. They cherished getting to watch their kids and grandkids grow up, making sure their bellies were always full with delicious meals and teaching them the importance of always having a stocked candy drawer and to never skip dessert. Their door was always open, greeting family and friends alike with love, devotion, and kindness.
Carl was an exceptional handyman who had many passions and hobbies and an eagerness to learn. He read and researched often and could diagnose and repair anything he set his mind to. He was knowledgeable about the function and operation of a wide range of products and would help friends and family with helpful recommendations even until his final days. He could often be spotted sitting on his porch with Barbie, working in his yard and garden, or taking a stroll around downtown Hope.
Carl was defined by his faith in Jesus and was a member of Hope Baptist Church for 57 years and had been a member of Parkside Baptist Church for 11 years at the time of his passing. He was also an active member of the Free and Accepted Masons for over 50 years at Hope Lodge 150 in Hope, IN.
He is survived by his son, Terry (Linda) Burlew of Columbus; daughter, Lee Ann (Steve) Vorndran of Columbus; grandchildren, Erica Vorndran, Sarah (Jason) Treesh, Amanda (Brian) Conlin, Courtney (Travis) Grace, Grace Stearman, Alaina (Bennett) Vorndran-Hatfield, Alex Vorndran Henry, and Matthew Vorndran; several great-grandchildren; and siblings Ronald (Barb) Burlew and Margaret Burlew.
Carl was preceded in death by his wife, Barbie; his parents; daughter, Carla Mae Pacheco Flescher; siblings, Yeaulta Mae Burlew and Betty Lee Plummer; sister-in-law Betty Marie Burlew; and niece Bonnie Artis.
A funeral service was held at Parkside Baptist Church with Reverend Bill Bailey officiating. A Masonic service followed visitation hours. Burial was at Hope Moravian Cemetery with military graveside rites being conducted by the Bartholomew County Veterans Honor Guard.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to Parkside Baptist Church or Our Hospice of South Central Indiana.
