Harold E. Burrell

Harold Eugene Burrell, 92 of Peck, Kansas, passed away on September 9, 2025 after living a full life filled with friends and a loving family.

Gene was born February 5, 1933 in Fairview, Oklahoma, the son of Harold Burrell and Opal Burrell Chaloupek (raised by Harold and Elveta Burrell Riggs).

Gene attended high school in Longdale, Oklahoma and later joined the United States Army in March of 1953 where he served as a Transportation Specialist in Germany until honorably discharged in 1955.

Gene married Beverly Ellen Moore on May 2, 1965, in Wichita, Kansas and recently celebrated 60 years of wedded bliss. Gene and Beverly moved to Peck, Kansas where they raised five children and too many horses to count. Their home on six acres became a retreat for their kids and grandkids who enjoyed horseback riding under the close supervision of Gene.

Gene was an extremely hard worker that could work circles around anyone. Gene lived out Colossians 3:23, “whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men.” He constantly taught and instilled this work ethic into his children and grandchildren. Gene worked as a chemical operator at Vulcan Chemicals for 39 years. When he was asked why he didn’t stay to reach 40 years, his reply was, “it was just a number”. Gene always had a love for horses but once he retired, this love developed into a passion that took him on multiple trail rides in eight different states, over the course of 20 years. Gene also enjoyed riding horseback in multiple parades, such as Old Settlers Day, Clearwater, and Haysville. It’s as if Gene was born to ride, and spending time with his horses and family was his drive. If you knew Gene, you knew he loved to make and eat lots of homemade ice cream!

Gene was an active member at Haysville Church of the Nazarene where he raised his family and where he served in multiple capacities from keeping the grass mowed to Sunday School Superintendent. Gene later became an active member at Wichita First Church of the Nazarene. His faith in Jesus Christ was steadfast and this faith lives on through his children and grandchildren. Gene was a man of integrity and lived a life faithful to his family and to his church.

Those remaining to cherish Gene’s memory include his spouse Beverly Burrell; children: Craig Burrell (Karen), Brent Burrell (Kari), Kim Lange (Rich) and Chris Burrell (Carly); 11 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; sister, Naomi Koehn; and multiple extended relatives and friends.

Gene was preceded in death by his son, Louis Belanger; his parents, Harold and Elveta Burrell; and his brother Marvin Burrell.

Visitation will be on Friday, September 12, 2025 from 5:00pm to 7:00pm at Smith Family Mortuary 1415 N. Rock Rd, Derby, KS 67037 and Funeral services will be held on Saturday, September 13, 2025 at 2:00 PM at First Church of the Nazarene 1400 Kellogg Dr, Wichita, KS 67211. Interment to follow at Greenwood Cemetery 6231 W 47th St S, Wichita, KS 67215. Military Honors will be conducted by the United States Army Honor Guard.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to Compassion Within Hospice.