Paul Burrington

(From Parker Mortuary)

Paul E. Burrington , age 66, passed away at his home on Sunday, July 5, 2015 after a courageous 8 year battle with cancer.

Paul was born October 25, 1948 in Joplin to the late John Burrington, Sr. and Naomi Wyrick Burrington and was a lifelong resident of Joplin.

He was a 1966 graduate of Joplin High School and was drafted into the United States Army in 1968. He served in Vietnam and was stationed at Vihn Long Aviation Airfield with the 175th Aviation Company. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal; the Vietnam Service Medal; Vietnam Campaign Medal and the Expert Marksman Citation.

After returning home from service, he worked at Jasper County Automotive before joining the Southwestern Bell Telephone family. He worked there for thirty eight and a half years.

Paul loved to shoot black powder guns. When they were old enough, he passed that love onto his son, Chad and grandson, Ryan. He was a member of First Christian Church and the Joplin Elk's Lodge #501.

He married Patti Campbell on November 23, 1973. She survives at the home.

Additional survivors include one son, Chad Burrington and his wife, Courtney; one amazing grandson, Ryan, who was a blessing to his Pop and brought more joy to him than he will ever know. Also surviving is a brother, John Burrington, Jr.; sister-in-law, Sherri Orender and her husband, Darrell, Webb City; and many nieces and nephews, which he loved like they were his own.

In addition to his parents, Paul was preceded in death by a sister, Carol Burrington Anderson.

Memorial services are planned for Thursday at 1:00 p.m. at First Christian Church. Fred Pugh, Minister, will officiate. Interment will follow with military rites at Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will receive friends at a memorial visitation on Wednesday from 6-7:00 p.m. at Parker Mortuary.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Freeman Cancer Institute, in care of Parker Mortuary.

The family would like to thank Dr. Matt Miller, D.O. and his nurse, Molly, for their care of Paul. They, along with the entire staff of the Freeman Cancer Institute have been with the family every step of the way during his eight year battle. The family would also like to thank the staff of Hospice Compassus and good friend, John Draper, for taking Paul on one last ride from the church to the cemetery in his classic '55 Chevy!