Blaine Allen Burleson

On Saturday morning September 1st in his home in Glendive Montana, surrounded by the singing voices of family, Blaine Allen Burleson left this earth to be with his heavenly father. He died peacefully in his home following a lengthy and courageous battle with cancer. Blaine was born October 29th, 1942 in Kensal, North Dakota to Ruby (Zimmerman) and Glenn “Dutch” Burleson. In true family fashion, Blaine was thrown into his first professional musical gig at the age of 12, when his mom, the heart of the family band, handed him a pair of drum sticks and plainly stated, “We need a drummer, your it.” He spent countless weekends playing gigs throughout eastern and central North Dakota as part of the Burleson Orchestra. This began a lifetime connection with music which he passed on to his family. In 1960, Blaine graduated from Kensal High School, playing the clarinet and excelling in basketball. He was a star athlete on the basketball court, once scoring 52 points in a single game. His amazing strength and domineering post play as a high school basketball star served as the foundation for a life-long love for the sport. He started college at North Dakota State University in Fargo, then completed his bachelor of science degree at Valley City State. During a summer weekend gig at Red Willow Lake, Blaine met his wife of 53 years, Joanne LaPlant, where they shared the first of many dances. Joanne and Blaine were married soon after and raised four children who blessed them with 15 grandchildren. Blaine taught junior high and high school sciences and coached football and girls’ basketball intermittently for 15 years in ND and South Dakota. In 1977 the Burleson family moved to Glendive, Montana, where he began work for Halliburton Oil Field Services. Eventually, he started his small business career with Service Master of Glendive. Blaine’s true source of joy and pride was his family. He shared his love of the outdoors with them camping, hiking, fishing, hunting, making fond memories that supplied the fodder for many a tale. As a loyal and devoted father and grandfather, he spent countless weekends and evening hours traveling and attending various music, school and sporting events throughout the US. Blaine is with God and his heavenly family who include his mother and father Glen and Ruby Burleson, infant sister Arlys Burleson, his brother Byron Burleson, sister Gloria Olig, nephews Kevin and Mitch Olig; son-in-law Woody Larson; brother-in-laws Berny Kelly, Gordon Quam, George Pomeroy, and Herman Olig. His remaining family include his wife Joanne Burleson; sister Karen Pomeroy (Crete, IL) and her children David Pomeroy and Julie Bayless; nephews Aaron and Nathan Burleson (Chicago, IL), Chris and Kathy Olig; David and Jollette Olig; sister-in laws Beverly Kelly (Glendive, MT), Sharon and Bob Fors (Larimore, ND); Darlene Quam (Tolna, ND), his sons Michael and Kimberly Burleson (Arlington, TX), and Steve and Tammy Burleson (Oregon City, OR), and daughters Nicolle Larson (Sidney, MT), and LaDonna and Mike Garneau (Sheridan, WY). The light and joy of his life were his 15 grandchildren; Stone, Sunny, and Shane Burleson; Seterra and Sayer Burleson, Mecallen, Meccade, Madison, and Morgan Garneau; Sean, Eric, Jade, Conner, Bridger and Cassidy Larson. He was blessed with a mischievous sense of humor and an infectious laugh. Although he leaves a hole in so many lives and hearts, he also leaves many wonderful memories. Services will be held Saturday September 8th at 1:00 pm at the First Congressional United Church of Christ in Glendive, Montana. Memories and condolences can be shared with family at www.silhafuneralhomes.com.

Blaine Allen Burleson

October 29, 1942 - September 1, 2018

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Blaine Allen Burleson

October 29, 1942 - September 1, 2018

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

Plan Ahead

About Us

Resources

Obituaries

Grief & Healing

Contact Information

365 Days of Grief Support