Charles Patrick Burnell, 70, Buffalo resident passed away Saturday afternoon in Buffalo.
Charles was born in Thermopolis, Wyo., on December 13, 1950, to James and Barbara Burnell. He was the oldest of six children. Following a divorce, James married Donna Patterson (Skinner), who raised all six children and was their mom. Charles went to school and graduated from Riverton, Wyo., with the class of 1969. Following graduation, he enlisted with the Navy and was stationed in Delaware as a Naval Corpsman. When he returned from the Navy he worked in the oil fields of Wyoming, before attending college to receive a certificate in medical technology. In 1991 he married Linda Parker in Tonapah, Nev. To this union Mary Elizabeth Burnell was born in Pasco, Wash., on January 26, 1994. After returning to Tonapah, he was the manager of the medical lab at the hospital there. After retiring from the medical lab, he became a drug and alcohol counselor for New Frontier Rehabilitation in Fallon, Nev. In 2002 the Burnell family moved to Reno, Nev. There he continued to pursue a computer science/web design degree at UNR. He was instrumental in helping others with their sobriety by being a mentor and guiding AA meetings. Around 2009 Charles moved back to Wyoming, settling in Buffalo. He worked for and greatly enjoyed the Boys and Girls Club of the Bighorns.
Charles loved technology, computers, and great literature. He enjoyed spending his free time listening to rock and roll, and when younger he loved fishing in the Wind River Range and the Big Horn's. Politics was a passion, and he loved a lively debate about current events. Charles was a member of St. John the Baptist Church, and he greatly enjoyed his friendship with Father Pete. No matter where he lived, Charles was always a devout Catholic.
Charles is survived by his wife, Linda Burnell; daughter, Mary Elizabeth Burnell and her fiancé Gerardo "Gerald" Hernandez Martinez all of Reno, Nev .; brother, Steve Burnell (Eva Henry) of Thornton, Colo .; sisters, Reverend Lin Davenport of Gillette, Wyo., and Julie (Jim) Enis of Thermopolis, Wyo.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and brothers, James Douglas and CR Burnell.
Mass of Christian Burial will be Thursday, September 9 at 11 a.m. at the St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Buffalo with Father Pete Johnson as Celebrant. Visitation will be held Wednesday from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. with the Rosary at 6 p.m. at the Harness Funeral Home Chapel in Buffalo. Interment will be at Monument Hill Cemetery in Thermopolis, Wyo., with graveside services on Friday at 2 p.m. Donations in Charles' memory may be made to the Boys and Girls Club of the Big Horns in care of the Harness Funeral Home at 351 N. Adams in Buffalo, Wyoming. Online condolences may be made at http://www.harnessfuneralhome.com
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