Marlen Eugene "M.E." Burnette, 95, of Louisburg, passed away peacefully on Thursday evening in his home. He was born in Franklin County, son of the late William Busbee Burnette and Fannie Morton Burnette.

Mr. Burnette proudly served his country in World War II as part of the 198th Field Artillery in Okinawa, Japan. He was a retired building contractor.

A graveside funeral service was held at 2 p.m. Sunday, July 25 at Oakwood Cemetery, Louisburg, with Reverend Tony Capehart officiating. The family will received friends immediately following the service.

He is survived by his daughters, Cindy B. Gupton and husband Reece of Louisburg and Marlene Rennie and friend, Jack of Colorado; brothers William Burnette (Mary Ann), Calvin Burnette; sister, Margie B. Finch (Kimball); grandchildren, Cameron Gupton, Colby Gupton (Kristen), Casey Gupton (Sydney), Michelle Vega (Omar) and Stephanie Batley; great-grandchildren; David and Sam Croxton, Arwen, Zoe, and Nolan Plummer, and soon to be baby boy Gupton.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of almost 61 years, Geneva W. Burnette and his children, James, Wayne, Otis Finch, Marlen Eugene Burnette Jr., William Gregory Burnette; grandson, Christopher Reece Gupton; brother John Burnette; sisters Pearl White, Ruby Poole, Hazel Haynes, Shirley Denny, and Nellie Macrini.

Mr. Burnette lay in state Saturday, July 24, from 2 - 5 p.m. for those who paid their respects.

Arrangements are by Strickland Funeral Home & Crematory, Louisburg, www.stricklandfuneralhome.net.

Paid Obituary