Gene Burson Duncanville, Texas Obituary

Gene Burson

Gay Gene Burson, 84, of Duncanville passed away on Saturday, October 9, 2021 at his home. He was born January 25, 1937 in Austin, Texas to Raymond and Carrie (Tucker) Burson. Gene was raised in Killeen, Texas. He received a bachelor’s degree in Biology from the University of North Texas in Denton. He then went on to achieve his master’s degree in Microbiology from the University of Texas in Austin. Gene and Donna were married for 56 years. He worked for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for four years both in Dallas and Cincinnati, Ohio. Gene then spent eight years working for Morton Cancer Research Hospital. The last 27 working years were spent with Alcon Labs in Fort Worth. He is survived by his wife, Donna Burson; son, David Burson and wife April; daughter, Denise Smith and husband Tracy; brother, Ray Burson; grandchildren, Clayton Butler, Adelynn Butler, Laurel Burson, and Augustus Burson; nephews, Stuart Burson and wife Helene and Marcus Burson and wife Susan. Gene spent his younger years in Llano, Brady, and Killeen, TX. When the family moved to Killeen there was no housing available so they lived on a farm. He worked for his uncle at a dry cleaners at the age of 13. At the end of the day he would lock up, put the money in a paper sack, and ride home on his Cushman Scooter. He liked camping and hiking with his friends at Falls Creek on the Colorado River. He graduated from North Texas with a BS in Biology and a Masters in Microbiology from the University of Texas. While attending North Texas he washed dishes in the lab to pay for college. Gene had many jobs, but spend the last 27 years at Alcon Labs. Gene’s work ethics were impeccable. His Lab employees thought that he was an exceptional boss. At Christmas he gave each employee a gift and tins of homemade cookies. He delighted in making cookies and he worked for months perfecting his mothers’ chocolate pies! He hardly ever missed a day at work unless it was his vacation time in which he took his family on wonderful trips. He was a Cub Scout leader for David with 6 boys in his troop. He learned to scuba dive with Denise and David. They had quite an adventure in Hawaii. Weekends in the summer were spent working in the yard and garden, and playing cards and board games at night. In the Fall everyone watched football while putting together puzzles and shelling pecans. He also enjoyed coin collecting. Gene loved to fish! Sometimes at Buchanan Lake he would just wade out in the water in the evening to try and catch a big bass or two. He did get stuck in the mud several times. At church he served in many capacities including bell choir. He was a member of Methodist Men at Trinity United Methodist Church. They went on fishing trips and he loved to make homemade biscuits for the group. He also spent many hours doing projects on the mission committee. The most rewarding one was Interfaith Housing. As a member of the Duncanville Parkinson’s group for 14 years he was an inspiration to the rest of the group. No matter how hard it was for him, he always tried. The exercise leader called him the Energizer Bunny. Gene was a member of an investment club in Dallas for many years and then started his own in 2006 known as Dollars and Sense Investment Club. The purpose of the club was to educate members in the fundamental principles and techniques of sound investments. He and his seven members still met until last month. His wonderful sense humor and his witty comments made everyone laugh. Gene never complained about his condition and lived his life with grace and kindness. Memorials can be made in Gene's honor to one of the following: Dallas Area Parkinsonism Society 6310 LBJ Freeway Ste #213 Dallas, TX 75240 -or- Trinity United Methodist Church 1302 S Clark Road Duncanville, TX 75137
January 25, 1937 - October 9, 202101/25/193710/09/2021
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Loretta Chance
October 16, 2021
I hadn't known Gene very long but the times I saw him at DAPS Exercise, he always seemed to be in great spirits. To Donna and your family you have our deepest sympathy. 🙏🙏🙏 Tommie and Loretta Chance.
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Mike Miles
October 14, 2021
I will always remember my visits to the Duncanville DAPS group and the chance to see Gene. I can still see his smile and remember how welcomed he always made me feel. My thoughts and are with with Donna and the family. Mike Miles
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Freida "Freddie" Cassidy
October 14, 2021
My prayers and thoughts for the family. Donna and Gene have been special friends of mine for many years. I have been lucky to have known such a wonderful person as Gene who will be missed by all who knew him.
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Kay Lawrence
October 14, 2021
Donna, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family and Gene's family. He truly was one of the kindest, sweetest men I have know. I loved his sense of humor. I will remember his love for baking and gardening. Also, anyone that knew him knew he was a man of God... Continue Reading
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Duffey and Kim
October 13, 2021
Thinking of you. Prayers for you and your family.
Bright Memories

Bright Memories was purchased for the family of Gene Burson.

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Ken Cook
October 13, 2021
Our prayers and thoughts are with Gene’s family and KR Burson and his family… Sending a memorial to the church in honor of Gene .
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David and April Burson
October 13, 2021
Awe And Admiration

Awe And Admiration was purchased for the family of Gene Burson.

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Marcus Burson
October 13, 2021
Gene was my Uncle, and as Stuart mentions, Uncle Gene has been a very positive influence on our lives. I have many fond memories of spending summers with Uncle Gene and Aunt Donna. I recall as a young boy being in their big back yard and playing down in the creek. Eve... Continue Reading
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Stuart Burson
October 13, 2021
Gene was my uncle.  As our Godfather, he was a very positive influence on both my life and my brothers.  We spent many summers at the lake and Uncle Gene insured we knew how to fish and work the garden.  It became very clear to us early on that gardening was a passion of... Continue Reading
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Duncanville Parkinson's Group
October 13, 2021
Donna, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Gene will be greatly missed in our group. With much love and warmest condolences,
Peaceful Condolences

Peaceful Condolences was purchased for the family of Gene Burson.