Michael G. Burris
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Michael G. Burris, 69, of Loogootee, passed away at 9:40 p.m. Thursday, March 5, 2020 at Brookside Village in Jasper.
He was born May 18, 1950 in Washington, Indiana to the late Virgil and Mary Alberta (Norris) Burris.
Mike married Helen Schiller on February 20, 1971 and she survives.
He was a proud Marine. He served during the Vietnam War and received a Purple Heart for his courageous efforts.
Mike retired from Old Ben Coal after 34 years as a dragline operator. In his "spare" time he loved to move dirt and could often find him operating his dozer. Whether it was building a pond or terrace, taking care of the cows or hogs, or operating the dragline, Mike LOVED to work.
He loved his family and his witty personality always made everyone smile or simply shake their heads. He also enjoyed giving and taking care of others. Whether it was buying groceries for someone in need, donating to one of his beloved charities, like St. Jude, or simply helping a neighbor, Mike did it and wanted no recognition.
Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Virgil and Mary Alberta Burris; brother, Joe (Kay) Burris; sisters, Betty McDonald and Mary Malinda Burris; brother-in-law, Gerald Colvin.
He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Helen (Schiller) Burris of Loogootee; children, Jarrod (Amy) Burris, Melinda Grow, both of Loogootee and Cassie (Blake) Helfrich of Haubstadt; grandchildren, Wade and Karter Burris, Eliana, Luke and Anna Grow and Edie and Tucker Helfrich; siblings, Helen Colvin of Washington, Ronald Burris of Loogootee, Rick Burris of Indianapolis, Gary (Wanda) Burris of Loogootee and Carol (Ron) Boyd of Loogootee; brothers-in-law, Jerome McDonald of Columbus, Ray (Joann) Schiller of Indianapolis, Delbert (Sandy) Schiller of Franklin and Jim (Janice) Schiller of Ireland; many nieces, nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Very Rev. J. Kenneth Walker and concelebrants Rev. Joseph Erbacher and Rev. Sudhakar Bhastati at 10:00 a.m. Monday, March 9, 2020 at St. Martin Catholic Church in Whitfield. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
Visitation will be held Sunday, March 8, 2020 from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at St. Martin Catholic Church in Whitfield and Monday, March 9, 2020 from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to St. Martin Men's Club.
Condolences may be made online at www.blakefuneralhomes.com.
Arrangements were provided by Blake Funeral Home in Loogootee.