Cecil M. Burner

At the age of 15, Cecil fibbed about his age and enlisted to serve in the U.S. Navy. During World War II he served on the USS Segundo SS398 submarine as an E4 radioman and deck gunner. He participated in the battles of Iwo Jima and Okinawa. His submarine also supported air/sea rescues and sunk enemy troop and merchant marine ships. He was wounded in the war and was awarded the Defense Service metal, Victory over Japan metal, Good Conduct ribbon and the Purple Heart metal. He carried shrapnel in his body until the day he died. He often spoke of his service in the Navy and the comradery he felt with those with whom he served.

After his military service, he earned his general equivalency diploma then went on to earn his Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Colorado School of Mines.

Cecil worked as a mill foreman and head machinist pipe threader for CF&I Steel in Pueblo for approximately 40 years. He was well known for his commitment to work and his dedication to his subordinates and the company.

He married Edith Elaine Blankenship in 1950. They were married for 38 years and together raised two sons and one daughter. They enjoyed operating a CB radio together, water skiing, traveling and visiting with friends.

In 1989, Cecil married Lorraine Santarelli and they spent 34 wonderful years together until his passing. They enjoyed traveling, gardening and spending time together with family and friends.

Cecil is survived by his wife Lorraine, sons Clyde Burner and Glen Burner, daughter Annie Picco, step-daughter Linda Brown, step-sons Scott Pann and Craig Pann, and many grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Cecil was a truly great man whose impact will be forever felt by his family and friends that love him dearly. He will be remembered for his commitment to God, family and country. He had a wonderful smile, quick wit, and loving nature. He will also be remembered for his magic shows, Elvis Presley impressions and outdoor activities. He was handy with tools and loved to work on his antique cars.

He was a member of the Veterans for Foreign Wars and CB Radio clubs.

Cecil’s memorial service, interment of ashes, military honors and luncheon reception will be held at Imperial Memorial Gardens, 5450 Highway 78 West, Pueblo, Colorado, at 9 AM on Friday, June 16th.