Obituary of John Edward "Butch" Burr

John Edward Burr passed away on November 14, 2016. Service: 11:00 Wednesday, Nov. 23, First Baptist Church of Grand Prairie, 950 Mayfield Road, Grand Prairie. Visitation: 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 22, at First Baptist Church of Grand Prairie. John Edward ("Butch") Burr was born in Southbend, IN and was adopted by Kennith and Bess Burr of Grand Prairie, TX where he grew up and graduated from South Grand Prairie High School. He and his family were members of First Baptist Grand Prairie. He was a talented athlete. He enjoyed multiple sports including football, track, baseball, bull riding, roping, steer wrestling, and bareback bronc riding. After graduating high school, Butch worked in construction before joining the U.S. Marines in 1974. He served during the Vietnam War, and his primary duty was as a Field Radio Operator and Forward Observer. He completed basic training at Parris Island, South Carolina. He received the National Defense Medal, the Rifle Marksmanship Badge, and the Good Conduct Medal for his service. As Forward Observer for artillery, he conducted Naval Gunfighter Support, close air support, and support for other indirect fire weapons systems. He was on board the USS Raleigh during his service, and was involved in the evacuation of Americans in Lebanon in 1976. He was honorably discharged in December 1976. After his service in the Marine Corps, Butch continued his career in the construction business and owned a heavy equipment business and construction business that involved masonry work for clients in commercial, residential, and government entities. Later in life, Butch settled in Bonham, TX. He attended Grayson County Community College, where he received his associate’s degree. He also attended Texas A & M Commerce, studying sociology and psychology. He stayed actively involved in supporting our veterans and served as an Officer of the American Legion for ten years. Butch had many passions. He enjoyed singing, country dancing, playing cards and games, and playing pool. Always a cowboy at heart, He collected and watched, many times over, every John Wayne movie made. He also enjoyed cooking, starting his own business “Canner Johns”. He made many friends and loyal customers at trade days. He was famous for his Texas Candy, sweet pickled jalapenos. He delighted in watching his children, and later his niece and grandchildren play sports. Memorials may be made to The Sons of the American Legion Squadron #283, P.O. Box 32, Bonham, Texas 75418 and First Baptist Church Grand Prairie, 950 Mayfield Rd, Grand Prairie, TX 75252. Survivors: daughters, Rachel Hutchison and husband Brad of Watauga, Angie Rigsby of Houston, and Misti Burr of Grand Prairie; grandchildren, Bryce Pierson, Conner Hutchison, and Karissa Hutchison; sister Cindy Buhr and husband Dave, and their daughter, his niece, Nicole of Grapevine.