Obituary of Dr. Kenneth Burleson

Kenneth Ray Burleson, 84, of Doniphan, Missouri, died Tuesday, May 11, 2010, at Current River Nursing Home in Doniphan. Dr. Burleson was born on July 18, 1925, near Carthage, Missouri. He was of the Christian faith and attended the First Church of God in Doniphan. He was a retired chiropractor of 40 years. On February 26, 1958, he married the love of his life, Esther Boxx, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri. She survives. Also surviving are one daughter, Jeanne Hagar, of Doyle, Tennessee; one son, Kenny Burleson, Jr., of Pittsburg, Kansas; one sister, Edna Elsey of California; four grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Dr. Burleson was preceded in death by his parents, three sisters and one son, John Burleson. Kenneth Burleson was a member of the Blue and Gray, which invaded Normandy on D-Day, 1944, in World War II. After returning home, he attended Cleveland Chiropractic College in Kansas City as his sister, Dr. Verla Metsker, had done. He graduated in 1950. He then practiced with her in Carthage before coming to Doniphan in 1955. Dr. Burleson was very active in his community and profession by serving as president of Chamber of Commerce and the Chamber executive board for 11 years. He also was an active member of both the state and national associations of Doctors of Chiropractic. He represented the state of Missouri to the International Chiropractic Association. He served on the state examining board for 9 years and as president for 6 years. Dr. Burleson enjoyed fishing, hunting, golfing and bowling. He was inducted into the Bowling Hall of Fame of Poplar Bluff. He loved his family, his community and his church. Visitation will be from 5 - 8 p.m. Thursday, May 13, 2010, at Edwards Funeral Home in Doniphan. Funeral services will be held at the First Church of God at Doniphan at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, May 14, 2010. Burial will be at the Doniphan City Cemetery.