Charles E. Burlingham

Charles E. Burlingham, longtime Ottawa resident, passed away Monday, February 27, 2017, at his home surrounded by family. Charles was 95 years young and died on his 68th wedding anniversary. He was married to Louise (Reed) Burlingham, who passed away in 2009. They had six children together. Graveside services will be held at 2:00 PM, Saturday, March 11, 2017, at Mt. Calvary Cemetery, with military honors performed by Fort Riley Honor Guard and a celebration of his life to follow the service, to be announced. Charles was born November 16, 1921, in Arco, Idaho, to his father, Calvin Ishmel Burlingham, and mother, Ella Magdalena (Bergerhaus) Burlingham. He was born prematurely only weighing approximately three pounds and was not expected to survive. In his surviving such an adverse birth, he spent the remainder of his life doing what he loved most, helping others by serving his family, friends, employers and defending his country. Charles moved from Idaho to Kansas with his parents when he was only six years old. He attended various schools in Franklin County, graduating from the eighth grade in Paola in 1936 and graduated from Ottawa High School in 1940. After high school, Charles joined the Civilian Conservation Corp (CCC) and moved to Hebron, Nebraska. During the depression, the CCC employed young men to work in the nation’s forests, parks and farms. He also spent the summer working to cut trees for fireplaces in Estes Park, Colorado, with his best friend from Ottawa. In 1941, Charles moved to Wichita to construct parts for building aircraft. He received the NYA War Award in Kansas for Most Valuable Youth to the war production. He logged more than 500 hours in related training in shop and aircraft sheet metal work. Charles was living in Ottawa when the United States declared war on Japan. He enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps in October 1942 at Fort Riley, Kansas, during WWII. During his service, he received many hours of training in aviation including the operation of aircraft engines for B-24, B-26, B-25, C-109 and C-54. He received an aviation engineer technical diploma which included navigation, gunner, and pilot education. After receiving orders to join the Air Transport Command for the India/China Division in the India-Burma Theatre, he obtained the rank of staff sergeant, aerial engineer. This was a classified operation conducted to support equipment transport with aviation into China through the Himalaya’s “The Hump.” He received decorations and citations including the American Service Medal, Asiatic Pacific Service Medal, WWII Victory Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and Distinguished Unit Citation GO IO WD 44. In 1946, after his service in WWII, Charles moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma, to attend Spartan Aeronautical Institute and graduated with honors in Aviation Engineering just one year later in 1947. He was employed in aviation engineering in Winfield and Russell, Kansas, from 1948 to 1951. During this time he met the love of his life, Louise Reed, in Winfield, Kansas. They were married February 27, 1949, in Ashland, Kansas. Charles and Louise returned to Ottawa and built their home on a 20-acre farm, where he resided until his passing. Charles was employed in Ottawa with the Gas Service Company, Minnick Motors, Ford Garage and the City of Ottawa until retiring in 1984. He farmed, gardened, and continued building onto his home even after his retirement. Charles was preceded in death by his parents, Ella and Calvin Burlingham; and brother, John Burlingham. Survivors include his six children, Connie Elder and her husband Randy of Ottawa, David Burlingham and his wife Pam of Knowles, Oklahoma, Carol Roberts and her husband Robin of Englewood, Julie Wellington and her husband Jim of Wellington, Tim Burlingham of Englewood, and Janie Dunn and her husband Rick of Ottawa; fifteen grandchildren, Jason Elder and his wife Krissy, Ryan Elder and his wife Tiffiny, Kale, Brett, Cordell and John Burlingham, Carrie Kaltenbach and her husband Kyle, Jennifer Wellington, Nick Wellington and his wife Michelle, David Dunn and his wife Lynn, Nathan Dunn and his wife Chelcy, Alisha and Rachel Dunn, Jonah and Kylie Burlingham; and nine great-grandchildren. Charles enjoyed making time for family and friends who needed assistance with any maintenance on engines or equipment repairs. He was known as “professor” for being able to pick up on anything just by reading a book. Charles grew up hunting and fishing along the Marais des Cygnes River and enjoyed any opportunity to take family and friends to his pond near his home, as well as the river. His greatest enjoyment was spending time with his family and watching them grow into adults. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests sending memorial contributions to Crossroads Hospice c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S Hickory Street, Ottawa, KS 66067. Family and friends are encouraged to put their condolences and memories about Charles on his online Tribute Wall at www.dengelmortuary.com.