Roy Warren Burnfin of Warsaw, Missouri went home to be with Jesus on September 10, 2025 at the Warrensburg Veteran’s Home. He was born on October 30,1932, south of Edwards, Missouri in Benton County Missouri the son of Charles and Opal (Phegley) Burnfin.
He went to a one room schoolhouse where they pledged allegiance to the flag, where Bible verses were memorized and Christmas plays were put on. He grew up as a farm boy where he and his older brother would hunt in the winter and trap fur to sell. His family raised hogs, sheep and cattle. Roy’s brother and him would hunt for squirrel and quail during the daytime and then hunt for raccoons at night. Roy graduated from Latour High School in 1950 as Salutatorian.
Roy left home in May 1950 after graduation and went to Kansas City and worked various jobs. In August 1952, he enlisted in the Air Force and was sent to Parks AFB in California. He went to Japan in July 1954 during the Korean War. He served in Vietnam from 1967-1968 (during the TET offensive). Roy received the Bronze Star and the Air Force Accommodation Medal with two Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters. He also won other awards in the military. Roy retired out of the military in November 1972. After retiring from the Air Force, the family returned to Belton, Missouri where he sold insurance.
On September 7, 1957, he was united in marriage to Elnora Maxine (Helt) Burnfin. To this union three children were born: Charles W., Kemberly J., and Paula J.
In 1976, he moved his family to Benton County and built his home between Lincoln and Warsaw. Roy worked different jobs after the move, he sold insurance and completed his degree in Social Studies with a minor in Business Administration at CMSU. He taught school at Calhoun High School and after that ran a mail route at Sunrise Beach for about 16 years. He enjoyed raising cattle and loved to watch the little calves playing in the field.
He had been an active member of First Baptist Church where he was ordained as a deacon in 1983 and taught Sunday School. He recently attended Abundant Life Christian Center. For the past 40 years, Roy read his Bible daily.
Roy enjoyed going to the Amish market in Versailles where he bought fresh produce and shared with his many friends.
He was proceeded in death by his wife Elnora, both parents, three brothers John (died as a child) Mearl (Jasper) and Raymond Carl, two sisters Agnes and one infant that was stillborn, one grandson Kyle Mellen and one great-grandson Caleb Mellen.
He is survived by his three children: Charles Burnfin and wife Brenda of Raymore, Mo., Kemberly Mellen and husband Van of Lincoln, Mo. and Paula Hoard and husband Darren of Warsaw, Mo. Two brothers Tom Burnfin and Ron Burnfin, both of Holden, Mo. Six grandchildren: Jennifer Mellen, Van Mellen, Jr. Jeremy Mellen, Amanda Collins and Ashley VanDeusen, 13 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren. He will be truly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Pallbearers will be Steve Burnfin, Ryan Burnfin, Neil Burnfin, Tim Anderson, Doug Cochran and Zack Bagby. Honorary Pallbearers will be Jennifer Mellen, Van Mellen, Jr. Jeremy Mellen, Amanda Collins and Ashley VanDeusen.
Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Monday, September 15, 2025 at the Poplar Baptist Church. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the funeral from 10:00 until 11:00 A.M. Interment and Military Rites will follow the funeral at the Lincoln Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to one of the following: Abundant Life Christian Center, Poplar Baptist Church, Missouri Veterans Home - Warrensburg or ACG Hospice: Warrensburg.
