Carol Gene Burnison

Carol Gene Burnison, age 93, of Wooster, Ohio, passed away peacefully on May 7, 2026, in the presence of his loving wife of 75 years, Patricia Lou Burnison, at Smithville Western Care Center in Wooster, Ohio.

Carol was born on June 11, 1932, in Lima, Ohio to Earl Webster Burnison and Glenna Mae (Lament) Binkley. Following his father's death in 1938 he was raised by his mother and stepfather, Homer Binkley. His sister, Colene Toinette Phiel-Hoehn, brother, Lee Burnison, and half-brother Mark Binkley all preceding him in death.

Carol was married to Patricia Lou (McCune) on March 18, 1951, and they recently celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary. They had five children - four sons; Gregory (Sandy), Timothy (Janice), David (Judy), and Thomas (Laura Albright), and one daughter; Melodie Sue (Gary Whitenack). They were blessed with thirteen grandchildren and 27 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his sons Gregory and Thomas; daughter-in-law, Janice; and granddaughter Sarah Whitenack.

Carol was valedictorian at Harrod High School in Harrod, Ohio. He attended The Ohio State University's College of Agriculture in Columbus, Ohio. He worked with his stepfather on the family farm until 1960 when he was employed by the United States Department of Agriculture where he worked in the Veterinary Sciences Columbus, Ohio region for 26 years until retiring in 1986.

He was a member in churches in Harrod, Ohio, Apple Creek, Ohio, Shreve, Ohio, Sandy, Utah and Wooster, Ohio. In each of these churches he served as a very active member and leader, holding numerous church leadership roles. He taught Sunday school for 40 years, served as an Elder, chaired Mission and Christian Education Committees, and held several lay person leadership positions at the local, district and regional levels.

Carol was a Red Cross blood doner for over 40 years and was recognized for making over 200 donations.

His community service included serving as a Cubmaster and Scoutmaster in the Boy Scouts of America, president of the PTA at his children's school, and president of the Headstart Board of Directors in Wooster, Ohio. After his retirement in 1986, he served as a Hospice volunteer, Executive Director of Wayne United Ministries, and was instrumental in the creation of People To People Ministries in Wooster, Ohio. After moving to Sandy, Utah in 1994, he volunteered for 20 years at the Utah Food Bank and Crossroads Urban Center food pantry. He dedicated most of his adult life to serving his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, helping those in need.

Carol made an anatomical gift by donating his body to Case Western Reserve University's School of Medicine. This generous and selfless act provides a lasting legacy of education which benefits future generations and can lead to positive changes the world.

Carol's favorite Bible verses are Romans 8:28; Matthew 22:37-40; Matthew 25:31; and James 2:14-17. His favorite hymn is: "What A Friend We Have In Jesus".

A memorial service and celebration of life will be held on Saturday. June 20 at 1 :30 p.m. at Central Chistian Church, 407 N Market Street, Wooster, Ohio 44691. Reverend Merlyn Winters presiding and Reverend Anna Jarvis assisting.

A private family internment will be held at a later date in Sherwood Memorial Gardens in Wooster, Ohio with assistance from Roberts Funeral Home.

The family would like to thank Sprenger Healthcare and the many nurses. aides and support staff at the Smithville Western Care Center for the loving care they provided for our father. The family is also grateful for the support and care provided by WellSpring Hospice.

Memorial contributions may be made to: WellSpring Hospice, 3905 Oberlin Avenue. Lorain, OH 44053, People to People Ministries, 454 E Bowman Street, Wooster, OH 44691. or Crossroads Urban Center Food Pantry, 347 South 400 East. Salt Lake City. UT 84111