Obituary of Paul Edward Burnell

Paul Edward Burnell, 75, of Morgantown, formerly of Clarksburg, passed away Thursday, December 26, 2013 at Point Manor of Point Marion, PA. Paul was born in Clarksburg, WV on December 5, 1938, the son of the late Floyd Edward Burnell and Waveline Paula Childers Burnell. He graduated from Pennsboro High School and attended Fairmont State College. He began working with Capital Airlines as a ticket agent at airports in Muskegon, Michigan, Chicago, Illinois and Charleston WV. He retired from Nationwide Insurance in 2005 after 35 years of service as an independent agent in Clarksburg, Bridgeport and surrounding areas. Paul was a member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church where he served as lecter, Eucharistic Minister to shut ins and was always willing to work where he was needed. He was also a member of the Diocesan Pastoral council, the Knights of Columbus 4th Degree and the Mountaineer Power Squadron, a boating fraternity where he had served as a commander. He loved to travel and was always ready to tell stories about his trip to Europe, the beach or sailing in the Caribbean. He loved people and was happiest when he could talk and reminisce. In a document he wrote: "since high school, mine has been the best and the worst of life. On November 30, 1957 I married Jean Robey She is my best friend, business partner, mother of my children and the pride and joy of my life. On April 25, 1996 we lost our youngest son Timothy at the age of 31 after a long and courageous battle with cancer. All other life experience falls somewhere between the joy and sorrow above". He told his son in a past conversation "if I die tomorrow I will die a happy man." His contagious smile will forever be missed. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Wilma Jean Robey; sons, Jeffrey Mark Burnell and wife Melanie of Martinsburg, Michael David Burnell and wife Beth of Morgantown, Gregory Paul Burnell and wife Juliana of Raleigh, NC, Timothy Robert Burnell (deceased) and daughter-in-law, Jeannette Burnell Shadley; brother James D. Burnell and wife Mary (Dede) of Fairmont; sisters, Shirley Malloy and husband Terry of Florida and Naomi Burkhammer and husband Charles of Lost Creek; grandchildren, Emily Bernazzoli and husband Matt, Eric Burnell, Michelle (Cori) Powell, Mallorie Oswald and husband, Ryan, Daniel Burnell, Eli Burnell and Nicole Burnell; great-grandchildren, Zachery, Kayla, Jack, Jaden and Sophia; step grandchildren, Serena, Nicole, Catlin and Brady; step great grandchildren, Nicholas and Riley and several nieces and nephews. The family wishes to give their heartfelt thanks to the entire Point Manor family for their gentle care of their beloved father. Family and friends will be received at Hastings Funeral Home, 153 Spruce Street, Morgantown, on Sunday, December 29th from 3-7 PM. A Scriptural Wake Service will be held at 6:30 PM Sunday to conclude the evening visitation. Visiting will continue Monday, December 30th from 10 AM until the time of the service at 11 AM with Rev. John J. Peck, O.S.B. officiating. Interment will follow in Beverly Hills Memorial Gardens, Westover. Send condolences online at www.hastingsfuneralhome.com.