Philip Mcelroy Burris

Philip McElroy Burris, 68, husband, father, grandfather, Army Veteran, avid fisherman, outdoors man, gardener, bird watcher, subscriber of all things practical, foodie, practical joker, lover of comedy and friend to all, died of health complications Tuesday in Cicero, Indiana.

Phil was born on April 18, 1947 in Indianapolis, Indiana to Hershel and Joan (Jo) Imogene (McElroy) Burris. He married his high school sweet heart, Karen (Bakemeier) Burris almost 50 years ago with whom they had two daughters, Tamara Stowers of Tipton and Heather Burris of Noblesville. He taught them to work hard, fish, procure quality hammers, flashlights and screwdrivers, to love nature, to visit fish hatcheries and state recreation areas during all travels, to “keep their noses clean” and to use their resources. He enjoyed providing them with endless advice and stocking their toolboxes to ensure preparedness. Putting his son-in-law Paul in the end of any practical joke or story gave him delight. He graduated from Warren Central in 1965, was stationed at Fort Leonard Wood in 1967 and took numerous college-level and work related courses at various colleges. He was employed by Daimler Chrysler, retiring as a Maintenance Supervisor in 2001, after 36 years of service.

Surviving family include his wife, Karen (Bakemeier) Burris; daughters, Tamara (Paul) Stowers, and Heather Burris; granddaughters Meridian and Amaya Ruth Stowers and Maeleigh JoHelen Burris; siblings, Linda (Mike-deceased) Cavanaugh, Dave (Pam) Burris, Karen (John) Stein-Ferguson, Mark (Rebecca) Burris, Steve (Kim) Burris, Bruce (Stephanie) Burris, Marcia Burris and Kenneth (Giovanna) Burris, numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Phil was preceded in death by his parents Hershel and Joan Burris and his brother Larry Burris.

He moved from Fairland, Indiana in 1989 to Cicero to enjoy life on the lake. He liked to drive his boat around the lake to feed the ducks, picnic, socialize and relax. Not experiencing much luck fishing on Morse Reservoir, over the years he took up fishing and ice fishing with friends in nearby ponds and watering holes. He enjoyed catching fish, donating worms and telling fish stories. He went on numerous fishing and hunting trips with his siblings and friends over the years.

Phil spent countless hours working on cars for friends, building things, working in his garage, making tools, and constructing gadgets of every nature. He loved to search junkyards, driving to nowhere, appreciating cars and engines, searching for fishing and boating gadgets and working outdoors. Although complex he liked things simple and frugal.

Phil excelled at socializing with others, conquering all facets of engineering and mechanics, and winning all debates. A self-researched law aficionado he enjoyed researching and offering his opinion. He never met a stranger; prepared for every situation, he freely offered help to those who found themselves unprepared. He enjoyed Colts football, Pacers basketball, Peyton Manning, Reggie Miller, Larry Bird and cheering for teams that would be beating the Patriots. He believed in speaking the truth, defending your opinion, self-advocacy, honoring fellow service men and women, collecting everything even that we have no idea what to do with, and spending time with his 3 granddaughters.

He was known for his cooking, especially big fish fry’s. He had many friends, both old and new and was known for his kindness and generosity. He had many nicknames; his children called him “Pop”, his grandchildren “Grampie” his son-in-law “Boss” and numerous work friends had a variety of well-worn monikers. He enjoyed traveling throughout his life, camping, in state parks, sightseeing and visits to all destinations that offered fishing and a picnic spot. He especially enjoyed family vacations to Gulf Shores, Alabama to visit his favorite restaurants, take in the beach and relax.

In lieu of flowers Phil would have enjoyed the act of kindness in a donation in his name to Prevail of Hamilton County, Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital St. Vincent Foundation or a memorial donation to AMVETS.

A celebration of life and committal service will be held at Flanner and Buchanan-Oaklawn Memorial Gardens (Good Shepherd Chapel), 9700 Allisonville Road, Indianapolis, IN 46250 on Monday March 14th at 1pm, with calling one hour prior. Visitation will be held there Sunday March 13th from 5-8pm. Online condolences may be made at www.flannerbuchanan.com.