Burna Frankburnie Battles

Burna Frank Burnie Battles September 2, 1940 June 20, 2009 Burna Frank Battles passed away Saturday, June 20, 2009. Services will be at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, June 24, at Seventh and James Baptist Church with Dr. Raymond Bailey officiating. Burial will follow at Waco Memorial Park. Visitation will be from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, June 23, at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Chapel. Burnie was born September 2, 1940 in Overton, Texas to Burna and Clarice Battles. He earned his bachelor and masters degrees from Baylor University in 1966 and remained at Baylor in the HHPR department for more than 42 years. While at Baylor he met his wife, Mary Helen, as they both stopped to pet the Baylor Bears. Burnie and Mary Helen were members of Seventh and James Baptist Church in Waco until they moved to Hamilton. He was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his beloved wife of 37 years, Mary Helen Battles; his three children, Aaron Battles and wife, Amy of Midland; Chrissy Hopper and husband, Heath of Hamilton; and Jay Battles and wife, Eliza of Von Ormy; grandchildren, Austin and Allie Battles, Caden Hopper and Burnie Adam Battles; sister, Elaine Easterling and husband, Bill and brother, Fred Battles. He is also loved and survived by many other family members. Pallbearers are David Henry, Heath Hopper, Wes Penney, Michael Hopper, Clay Bonilla and Jeremy Copeland. Burnie loved his family and Baylor University. He also had a special love for Camp John Marc where he told stories, sang songs and lifted the spirits of "special children". In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Camp John Marc, Special Camps for Special Kids, 2824 Swiss Ave., Dallas, TX 75204, 214-360-0056. The family invites you to leave a message or memory in our "Memorial Guestbook" at www.wilkirsonhatchbailey.com. Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey