Joseph Burrell Obituary

Burrell
Joseph Terry Burrell
June 4, 1931 - November 4, 2017
Joseph "Joe" Burrell, 86, peacefully entered into the loving arms of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on November 4, 2017, with his family by his side. He was born June 4, 1931 in Santa Rosa, California to James and Irene Burrell.
Joe entered into military service early in life joining the U.S. Navy at the age of 17. This was followed by his decision to join the U.S. Army and continued his military life through retirement after 21 years. One of Joe's difficult times was when his military career took him, as a young man, into the Korean War to serve as a combat medic. After many years of silence about that war, he opened up in later years and shared some of his extremely painful experiences, some too difficult to recount.
He had a three-year assignment in Germany before going to Vietnam as a surgical tech in an Evacuation Hospital (MASH Unit). This was followed by a three-year tour in Japan where he assisted in setting up two hospitals, and several stateside assignments before retiring from the military in Colorado Springs in 1971. Joe met the only love of his life in Japan in 1955 and married early in 1956. They had three children who had the great opportunity of living the military life and traveling the world at a young age.
In 1964, Joe was ordained a minister and spoke at various churches in Europe and in the United States. You didn't have to know Joe very long to know he loved the Lord. He was always eager to give credit to God for any blessing he received in his life, no matter how small. He was able to lead many to the Lord without being pushy or imposing his beliefs on others, but just by sharing his life and how he had been blessed. Joe was known for being a generous man, always eager to support individuals and ministries in need. He had a love for researching, writing, and studying the scriptures and had a book published regarding end time prophecy.
After military life, Joe and his wife opened the "J & A Curry House" in Fountain, Colorado. It was one of the first Japanese restaurants in the Pikes Peak Region and became a place where many customers came not only to eat, but to visit. Joe was able to lead many "customers" to the Lord and kept in contact with them to encourage them through struggles in their lives.
Joseph is survived by his wife of 61 years, Aiko; one son, James (Ascension) Burrell; two daughters, Aletha (Jerry) Mayes and Linda (Carl) Curtis; one grandson, CJ Curtis; one sister, Faith Martin; and two brothers, Dale Burrell and Troy (Debbie) Burrell; along with many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and four brothers, Hersey, Earl, Rusty and David.
The Lord worked through the hands of many special doctors during the last several years of Joe's life. The family would like to thank: Dr. Susan Matthews, Dr. James Simon, Dr. Betsy Kleiner, Dr. Pam Taylor, Dr. Matthew Logsdon, and Dr. Samia Salih for their care that gave Joe an improved quality of life. We would also like to recognize the excellent care he received at Penrose Centura Hospital, especially the Nurses and CNA's on the fifth floor. It was very difficult having to be in the hospital for weeks at a time, but it comforted Joe and the family knowing that they would be in the special care of the Fifth Floor Staff. We can never thank you enough.
A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, November 11, at First Southern Baptist Church, 1409 Palmer Park Blvd. A luncheon will be held following the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made in Joe's memory to First Southern Baptist Church, 1409 Palmer Park Blvd., Colorado Springs, CO 80909.