Willie Leo Burnes

Willie Leo Burnes, 76, of Roswell, New Mexico, passed to eternal life on July 1, 2021. Please take a moment and share a kind thought or memory with Willies family at www.andersonbethanv.com There will be a viewing at the funeral home on Wednesday, July 7, 2021, from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and the family will be present from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM for visitation. Funeral Services will be held at Anderson Bethany Funeral Home on Thursday, July 8, 2021, at 1:00 PM. with Pastor Bennie Dendy officiating. Interment will follow at South Park Cemetery. On May 2, 1945, Willie Leo Burnes was born to Opal Marie and Alex Lester Burnes in Porum, Oklahoma. He attended school at Washington Avenue and High School at Roswell High in Roswell, New Mexico. Willie was a master at moving homes and buildings. He was up before the sun and off to work, which kept him out of town most of the week. Willie worked whether it was raining, snowing, or the sun was beating down on him. Those houses were turned into homes for many families in regions across New Mexico and the surrounding States for many years. His stories about his profession regaled many with the dangers that happened on the job as well as the funny things that happened in his daily life. Willie later worked for Chaves County Road Department for 15 years. He built, welded, and installed many of the Cattle Guards in and around Chaves County. He also maintained vehicles for the County. Willie was awarded many awards during his years of service. He met his partner Katherine Ruth Keene on June 22, 1995, while working at the County. They melded their families into one big loving family. Willie was a Believer in God and had a personal relationship with the Heavenly Father. His favorite Christian songs were “Just A Closer Walk With Thee,” “When the Roll is Called Up Yonder (I’ll be there),” and “One Day at a time.“ He supported many people over the years with friendship and love. Willie and Kathy were delighted to help family and friends fix items in and around their homes. They traveled to Albuquerque frequently to help a friend when she was sick loving and supporting her until she passed away; this was their ministry. He was a man who always put others before himself. Those left to eternally treasure and cherish memories of Willie are his sisters: Helen Barton and Elveita Buckner; children: Willie Leo Burnes Jr, and his love Cindy of Roswell New Mexico, Coy Newton Burnes of Fort Worth Texas, William Arlin Burnes and wife Danielle of Fort Worth Texas, Alyce Holmes and husband Michael of Roswell New Mexico, Fran Lewis and husband Terry of Silver City, Sandy Sampson and husband Chuck of Mayhill, Randy Keene and wife Marisela of Denver Colorado, Leslie Keene of Roswell New Mexico and Larry Keene and his love Kim of Roswell New Mexico. Willie was reunited with his mother and father as well as his beloved Kathy in death. He joined his brother, Monroe Thomas Burnes; sister, Nancy Viola Hardcastle, in heaven; his cousins were special to him, they include: Ray Jones, Virginia Barton, Eyvonne McGloghlin Gerald Madsen, JW and Charlotte Smith, Dorothy and Evelyn. Pallbearers are Willie Leo Burnes Jr, Coy Newton Burnes, William Arlin Burnes, Dakota Burnes, Leslie Keene and Randy Keene. Honorary Pallbearers blessed are Michael Holmes, Sr, Allan Asa Paschall”, and Mathew Paschall’. Memory Donations can be sent to the American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345. Willie’s tribute was written in his honor by his family.

Willie Leo Burnes

May 2, 1945 - July 1, 2021