May, 17 1935 – April 7, 2024
On Sunday, April 7, 2024, H. Burwell “Burr” Munsell, 88, of Tucson, Arizona, passed away peacefully after a long, arduous battle with Parkinson’s disease. He was born on May 17, 1935, in Chicago, Illinois, to Helen and Harry Munsell. When Burr was very young, the Munsell family made Kansas City, Missouri, their home and he grew up there with his older sister Jane (Munsell) Carey, with whom he always remained close.
At twenty years of age, Burr joined the United States Navy Reserve, was called to active duty then stationed in the Philippines. Post active duty, he returned to the United States, enrolled in college, and completed his service in the reserves. He was in the Navy until he was twenty-six and had five children by the age of twenty-eight.
Burr began his career as an engineer for IBM. After leaving IBM, he co-owned Jamison Galleries West, a western art gallery in Tucson. When the gallery closed, he became an avid photographer. Burr took beautiful photographs and had an artistic flare with black and white photos. In addition to photography, he loved math. Burr studied math education and taught math for educators at the University of Arizona and Pima Community College until he retired. During this time, he met and married his wife, Kelly.
By all accounts, Burr was known as a very mischievous and playful child and young man. These qualities prevailed throughout his adult life. He loved to laugh, make others laugh, and be on the receiving or giving end of a good practical joke. Burr had an extremely quick wit and an unparalleled sense of humor. There are those among us that will tell you he was undoubtedly the funniest person we have ever known. Oh, how he made us laugh!
One of Burr’s greatest accomplishments was being a father. His legacy of love, laughter, and deep sense of honesty live on in the hearts of those who knew him. Burr is preceded in death by his father, Harry, his mother, Helen, and his wife, Kelly. Burr is survived by his children; Diane Gerrettie, Denise Stearley (Mike), Hal Munsell (Kathy), Mimi Dailey (Dave), Kim Wilmer (Tom), eleven grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, and his sister, Jane Carey. Jane’s children, Burr’s nieces and nephews, all held a very special place in his heart.
A memorial service will be held on May 17, 2024, at East Lawn Palms Mortuary & Cemetery, 5801 East Grant Road, at 11:00 a.m.
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