Emmett B. Burleson

   Emmett Burleson, 87, of Alma, KS, passed away January 13, 2018 at home with the care of Accord Hospice and his family.

   Emmett was born south of Alma on June 11, 1930, the son of Kenneth and Marie Egert Burleson. Marie later remarried Harry Berroth, and Emmett attended Oakland Schools in Topeka. He graduated from Topeka High School in 1948 and spent the next four years in the SeaBees.

   Emmett married Carolyn Lister in May of 1953 in Topeka. She survives of the home. He worked at Goodyear for 23 years and retired to farm in rural Alma. In 1978, they sold the farm and relocated to Colorado where they owned and operated a motel. Emmett got his real estate license and worked for Century 21 for several years. Later, they moved back to Topeka to care for his parents. He loved farming and worked for Thowe Farms for 10 years before his retirement.

   Emmett enjoyed riding his motorcycles and playing guitar with friends at Lake Wabaunsee. He wrote poetry and read westerns.

   Emmett is survived by his wife Carolyn, of Alma; 4 children: Sondra (Kent) Searcy of rural Maple Hill, KS, Cheryl (John) Heverin of  Wamego, KS, Lisa (Curt) Ekstrom of K.C., MO, Brent Burleson, Manhattan, KS; 13 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great grandchild; 8 nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his stepfather Harry Berroth, a sister Juanita Martin Gragg, and a grandson Tosh Banka.