Leonard "Len" Hole Burrows
February 9, 1929 ~ February 16, 2017
Leonard "Len" Hole Burrows, 88, passed away on February 16, 2017, in Austinburg, OH. Born on February 9, 1929, in Cleveland, he will be remembered as the basketball player with a wonderful sense of humor and wit, big feet, and an even bigger heart. He is survived by his beloved high school sweetheart and wife of nearly 63 years, Castella "Cassie" Heskamp Burrows, whom he married on May 1, 1954, in Lakewood, OH.
He was a devoted and loving father to five children: daughter Susan Powers (David) of Austinburg; son Stephen Burrows of Mill Run, PA; son Scot (Val) Burrows of Manchester, NH; son Stuart Burrows of Gibsonia, PA; daughter-in-law Lisa Burrows of Gibsonia, PA; daughter Becky (Todd) Lohman of Indianapolis, IN; and daughter in spirit Cathleen (Robert) Wiskemann of Gibsonia, PA; eight grandchildren; and three great grandchildren with another on the way. He is preceded in death by parents Raymond Earl and Edith (Hole) Burrows, and brother William (Barbara) Burrows, Rocky River, OH.
After graduating from Lakewood High School, Len went on to Kenyon College in Gambier, OH, where he played basketball and lacrosse and was a Delta Phi Fraternity brother. He obtained a bachelor's degree in Physics before enlisting in the U.S. Coast Guard and Coast Guard Reserve, reaching the rank of Commander while in the 13th CG District in Seattle, WA. He attained a M.A. in Business Administration from Case Western Reserve, worked at Bailey Meter Company and then Stock Equipment in Cleveland, and ended his career as a Systems Engineer at Westinghouse in O'hara Township, PA.
Len was a former elder, deacon, and choir member of the First Presbyterian Church of Bakerstown (PA). He also was a member of American Legion Post 548 of Bakerstown, where he proudly participated in the Honor Guard and other leadership roles. He volunteered with Meals on Wheels and the Republican Party of Richland Township (PA). Len enjoyed golf, bridge, gardening, singing, reading, crossword puzzles, and Sudoku. Over the years, he and his wife hosted many foreign exchange students through the AFS-USA (formerly the American Field Service) international exchange program. They had a gift for making all feel welcomed and loved.
A memorial service with military honors will be held at First Presbyterian Church of Bakerstown on Saturday, March 11 at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent directly to: American Legion Post 548, PO Box 171, Bakerstown, PA 15007; or First Presbyterian Church of Bakerstown, P. O. Box 127, Bakerstown, PA 15007.
The Behm Family Funeral Home, 26 River St., Madison is assisting the family. Friends may leave condolences online at www.behmfuneral.com
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My sincere condolences to the family for your loss. May the “God of comfort” be with you during this difficult time. (2 Corinthians 1:3, 4)
My sincere condolences to the family for your loss. May the “God of comfort” sort you during this difficult time. (2 Corinthians 1:3, 4)
We are so sorry to learn of Len’s passing. We continue to have fond memories of Len from when we were together (in Cleveland) with him and Cassie as part of Kappa activities, and when they were part of our special couples bridge group of friends. He was always such a kind gentleman and good company. We send our condolences to all the children and family.