Paris D. Burnham passed away Tuesday, April 12, 2022, in San Saba, at the age of 96. Paris is predeceased by his parents, L. D. and Myrtle Burnham; brothers, Leslie and Donald Burnham; his sister, Thelma Janes; and his wife, Elizabeth Ann Burnham. He is lovingly remembered by his son, Leigh Burnham and wife Anne of Abilene; daughter, Bonalyn Bivin and husband Randy; daughter, Laura Burnham Eger; brother, Stanley and wife Mildred Burnham; sister-in-law, Martha Burnham; step-daughter, Michele Blackshear; grandchildren: Aaron Eger, Ryan Eger, Maya English and husband Justin, and Kerista Cowan and husband Ryan; as well as six great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandson.
Paris was born in Baytown, Texas, October 25, 1925, to L. D. and Myrtle Burnham. When Paris was three years old, the family moved to their new farm in San Saba where he lived for the remainder of his childhood.
After a semester at Tarleton College, Paris received his draft notice on his birthday, October 25, 1943, as he turned 18. The Army Airforce was short air crews, so Paris volunteered and served from 1944-1946. He was a B-24 Nose Gunner with the 380th Bomb group in New Guinea, Australia, Philippine Islands, and Okinawa. He received the Air Medal and Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster for his service to his country.
Paris married Elizabeth Ann Leeman on December 28, 1953, in Winters, Texas. Together, they raised three children - Leigh, Bonalyn and Laura in Lubbock, Texas. Paris settled on a career in real estate appraisals. Paris enjoyed everything outdoors. He was very involved in scouting and loved camping, hunting, fishing, gardening, rock and stamp collecting, and could build anything from water fountains to houses. Paris was an avid Texas Tech Red Raider fan and enjoyed going to home football games. A cook-out with family, eating a T-Bone steak and peach cobbler was the perfect day for him. He enjoyed keeping all the family albums up to date, as well as chronicling his own life, successfully completing his own autobiography, My Story of a Boy, a Man, and a Family, in 2006. Paris was a committed Christian and devoted his life to others in acts of kindness and participating in numerous missionary trips abroad and locally.
The family would like to deeply express their gratitude to the nurses of Solaris Hospice for their compassion, love and care shown to Paris.
The visitation will be held at Blaylock Funeral Home, 143 Nixon Lane, San Saba, Texas, on Friday, April 22, 2022, from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. and Saturday, April 23, 2022, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. A funeral service will be held at Blaylock Funeral Home, April 23, 2022, at 2:00 p.m., with Tom Brand officiating. Burial to follow at San Saba City Cemetery.
Condolences for the family may be made online at blaylockfuneralhome.com. or in care of Laura Eger at 2095 County Road 120, San Saba, Texas 76877.