Edsel Burford

Edsel Burford, 94, of Abilene passed away on Monday, August 5, 2019 at his home. A private graveside service will be held at 10:00 am on Thursday, August 8, 2019 at Elmwood Memorial Park. Services are under the direction of The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road.

Edsel was born in Lawn, Texas on November 19, 1924 to Forney and Nelle (Burnes) Burford. He was a lifelong resident of Abilene where he graduated from Abilene High School and Hardin-Simmons University. He attended the University of Texas in Austin where he did graduate work and was employed by the Child Welfare Services. He also attended Benz School of Design in Houston. He served in the United States Army from 1943 to 1945. He was the owner of Edsel Burford Florist in Abilene for 40 years. Edsel was a Methodist.

Although Edsel never married, the love of his life were his two nieces, Carla Rawls and Laura Kute.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Mary Appleton and Joyce Elizabeth Stewart.

Edsel is survived by his two nieces, Carla Rawls and husband Ben of Kingwood, TX and Laura Kute and husband Tommy of Abilene; his great-nieces and nephews: Emily Liles and husband Scott, B.J. Kute and wife Sarrie, Anna Perry and husband Brett, and Beth Denman and husband Kevin; his great-great-nieces and nephews: Macy, Bryleigh, Addy, Jace, Kallen, Adam, Chloe, and Brooks. He also leaves behind his close companions and caregivers Sammy and Velma Caballero.

Edsel was very fond of the Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi. He always tried to live his life as an example of that prayer. "Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace; Where there is hatred let me sow love; Where there is injury, pardon; Where there is doubt, faith; Where there is despair, hope; Where there is darkness, light; Where there is sadness, joy."

Edsel loved life and enjoyed every day.