Dr. Burl A. McClanahan

Burl Austin McClanahan, 90, of Columbia returned to his heavenly home on October 3, 2018. The son of James T. and Leona (Higgins) McClanahan, Burl was born on August 1, 1928 in Yuma County, Co. On August 5, 1949, he was united in marriage to Dorothy Elner Sams who preceded him in death on November 24, 2002.

Burl moved to Missouri from Colorado in 1932 with his parents. He lived in the Hazel Green area, north of Brashear, MO where he graduated from Brashear High School. He attended college at Mt. Zion Bible School and Kansas City College and Bible School. He earned a Master’s degree from University of Kansas City (UMKC) and a Doctor of Education degree from University of Missouri-Columbia. Burl was a pastor in the Church of God Holiness and worked as an educator at Mt. Zion Bible School, Kansas City College and Bible School and Moberly Correctional Center. He dedicated his life to teaching and preaching.

Burl was a wonderful man of God, father, grandfather, friend, spiritual leader, educator and chaplain with an impeccable character. Gracious and generous to his core, Burl chose to always see the best in others. He was the backbone of his family and his grandchildren were his world. He will be missed always.

Also preceding him in death was his infant daughter, Caryl Jane, his parents, one sister, Lois V. McClanahan, and one brother Orie B. McClanahan.

Burl is survived by one daughter, Cheryl Jean McClanahan Cozette and husband, Steve of Columbia; one son, Gary Burl McClanahan, Sr. and wife Sheila of Noblesville, IN. He is also survived by five grandchildren, Shaelyn McClanahan of Dallas, TX, Gary McClanahan, Jr. and wife Heather of Princeton, NJ, Shara McClanahan of Marion, IN, Grant McClanahan of Noblesville, IN and Graham McClanahan of New York, NY, two great grandchildren, Quinn and Jernigan; brother-in-law Wayne Sams and wife Mary Lou of Harrisonville, MO; nieces, nephews and cousins.

A funeral service will be held at 10:30am on Saturday, October 6 at the Rockbridge Church of God Holiness. The family will greet friends and relatives on Friday, October 5 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and from 9:30 a.m. Saturday, October 6, until the time of the service at the Rockbridge Church of God Holiness, 3515 Valencia Dr., Columbia, MO 65203.

Burial at 1:30pm in Memorial Park Cemetery, Columbia, MO.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Church of God Holiness World Missions—https://www.coghworldmissions.org/give.