Eldon Rogene Burlie was born November 8, 1936 to Fred and Mollie (Wiseley) Burlie and passed from this life February 17, 2024.

Eldon grew up on family farms north of Wakita, Oklahoma enjoying all aspects of farm life, hunting, fishing, trapping and countless hours on his bicycle with his brother, Verlyn.  He attended Meikle Country School through the sixth grade, graduating from Wakita High School in 1954 where he excelled in football, basketball, and track.  Eldon joined the United States Marine Corps in 1956.  Returning from military service, he worked on oil rigs as a roughneck as well as working for several area farmers.  On June 2, 1962, Eldon was united in marriage with Sherill Jean Best, at the Wakita Chrisitan Church.  To this union two children were born, Dawn Michelle and Todd Rogene.

Eldon was a hard-working man and a good provider for his family.  At the time of his marriage, he worked for the Wakita Hardware and Implement Company until it closed.  He then worked for Victor Equipment Company until a layoff, which was a blessing in disguise as he was able to secure a job with Clinton Oil Company as a pumper.  When they wanted to move him, he chose to stay in Wakita and started working as a Contract Pumper.  Eldon was a Contract Pumper for various oil companies for 30 years, retiring in 1997, to farm full time.  Eldon also was bucking bales in the 60's, swathing, and baling hay in the 70's and 80's after work.

In 1981, Eldon was able to start his own farming operation renting farmland from a neighbor.  In 1987, he purchased his first quarter.  He was proud that he obtained land that his grandfather, James Burlie, held the patent for since 1918.

Eldon enjoyed flying his J-3 Cub in the 60's, 70's, and 80's.  He loved noodling with his buddy, Wayne Miller, and many others.  Not liking the taste of catfish, he always gave them away.  He even introduced his late son-in-law, Doug, to the sport.  Eldon rarely missed an auction.  He never missed his children and grandchildren's basketball games, football games, and track meets.

Eldon was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Mollie Burlie; brother, Verlyn; son-in-law, Doug McMurtrey; father-in-law, Marvin Johanning; mother-in-law, Norma Jean Johanning; brother-in-law, Ron Best; sister-in-law, Ronda Kay Johanning; sister-in-law, Debra Dent; and brother-in-law, Eddie Conrady.

Eldon will be missed by his wife, Sherill; daughter, Dawn McMurtrey; son and daughter-in-law, Todd and Rena Burlie; grandsons: Todd Burlie Jr. and wife, Amanda, and their son, Trace, Dalton Burlie, Brennan Burlie and wife, Charlotte; sister, Leota Conrady; brother-in-law, J.R. Johanning; sister-in-law, Thi Du Best; many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Memorial Service with Military Honors will be held 2:00 p.m. Saturday, February 24, 2024, at the Wakita Cemetery, Wakita, Oklahoma, with Reverend Jerry Burlie officiating.  Memorials in memory of Eldon may be made to the Wakita Cemetery and can be sent in care of Prairie Rose Funeral Home, 602 E. Main St., Anthony, KS 67003.