Dennis Burris

Dennis Paul Burris - Dennis P. Burris, 59, left this world at 1:15 am on December 5, 2013 at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana, Illinois. He was born in Danville on November 14, 1954 to Charles J. and Ernestine A. (Wahlfeldt) Burris. His father preceded him in death in 1986; his mother still resides in Danville. Dennis was also preceded in death by his sister, Carla Jean (Burris) (Branham) Adkins in 2007. Dennis is survived by a brother, Edwin E. (Shirley) Burris of Danville; sisters, Leslie J. (Donald) Miller of Alvin, and Laura A. (Glenn) Berry of Indianola; several nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews and great-great nieces and nephews, many of whom saw him as a hero. His lifelong friends, Jeff Dalle and his family of Bunker Hill, IN, Jacque Reno of Carbondale, IL, Brian Harris of Fithian, IL; and others locally and abroad played major roles throughout his life. Dennis graduated from Trinity Lutheran Grade School and Bismarck Henning High School class of 1972. He started as tackle on the Blue Devils football team, wrestled, acted in plays and participated in several other activities in and out of school. He loved to fly and attained his private pilots license. Dennis joined the United States Marine Corps, serving as a teletype technician and he was deployed to Turkey during his tour of duty. After being honorably discharged, Dennis earned a Bachelors Degree in Forestry at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale. He replanted forests, participated in archeological digs and worked at Wildlife Management. One of his proudest endeavors was hiking the Appalachian Trail twice, once with his dog, Chico. Dennis was an avid reader, loved working on computers and cooking. He never missed a teaching opportunity and enjoyed training his beloved dogs and cats over the years. He always had a kind word to say and made people laugh. Dennis had the mind of a genius, but his body failed him. He is dearly missed by his family, friends and dog, Peyton. Family and friends are invited to tribute Dennis on April 12, 2014 at 1:00 pm at 3569 Indianola Ridge Farm Road, Indianola, IL. To commemorate him, we will do things he loved; complete a short hike by the river, plant a tree in his honor and have a small meal. Graveside services with Military Rites will be held at the Danville National Cemetery on April 16, 2014 at 1:00 pm. Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center, A life Celebration Home in Danville has been entrusted with Denniss service. Please join Dennis family in sharing photos, videos and memories of his life through his Tribute Wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com