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Introduced Version Senate Concurrent Resolution 43 History

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SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 43

(By Senator Boso)

[Introduced  March 18, 2017]

 

Requesting the Division of Highways to name bridge number 38-66-11.62 (38A133), locally known as Cass Bridge, carrying WV 66 over the Greenbrier River in Pocahontas County, the “Eugene Lee ‘Gene’ Burner Memorial Bridge”.

Whereas, Eugene Lee “Gene” Burner was born on May 1, 1919, and raised in Durbin, West Virginia, the son of Dr. Allen Eugene Burner and Mabel Wilson Burner; and

Whereas, Gene attended the Durbin Grade School and Green Bank High School before attending West Virginia University and earning a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Physics; and

Whereas, Gene worked as a research physicist and instrument engineer at the U. S. Bureau of Mines in Morgantown, West Virginia, for many years until his retirement in 1975. During his time at the Bureau of Mines, Gene helped develop a process for the gasification of coal that has greatly contributed to improving West Virginia’s coal and energy industries; and

Whereas, After raising three children in Morgantown, Gene and his beloved wife, Bonnie Pugh Burner, moved back to Pocahontas County in 1975. While in Pocahontas County, Gene worked to restore the old white farmhouse on Burner Hill near Cass, which was originally constructed in the early 1900s by Gene’s uncle; and

Whereas, Gene also was an active member of his community. Always a talented pianist and tenor soloist, Gene played the piano and organ at three churches in the area, in Cass, Durbin and Arbovale, sometimes all on the same day. Gene also lent his musical talents to weddings and funerals, often playing with his mother and his second wife, Louise Shears Burner; and

Whereas, Gene further demonstrated his commitment to his community by serving on the boards of Methodist churches in the area and the Arbovale Cemetery. His focus on expanding and maintaining the buildings and grounds of local churches and cemeteries continues to enhance the lives of people within the communities of Pocahontas County. Of particular note, Gene supported and actively worked with other citizens and groups to ensure that grave markers for some of Pocahontas County’s pioneers and most notable citizens were accurately marked and well preserved; and

Whereas, Gene’s interests and talent also extended to history and genealogy. Before and after Gene’s return to Pocahontas County, he performed extensive research on his family history and his ancestors’ connection to the town of Cass and other lumber towns in Pocahontas County. Gene was an active contributor to the Pocahontas County Historical Society, providing pictures that he discovered during his research and taking photographs of historical buildings in the region, including former one-room schoolhouses and churches; and

Whereas, Gene also loved making and capturing memories anywhere he went. He was a fixture at civic events, cake walks, school activities, sporting events and class and family reunions, always bringing a camera, a light meter and tripod in tow. Gene loved to socialize with family and friends, but also never failed to memorialize events with candid shots and group photos. His extensive file of negatives is truly a treasure, providing a pictorial narrative of the life, culture and history of the people of Pocahontas County, West Virginia; and

Whereas, On August 6, 2008, Gene passed away, thirty-three years after his return to Pocahontas County. Despite his passing, Gene has left an indelible mark on Pocahontas County and the State of West Virginia, not just through his good works and deeds, but through his love for his community and the way in which he touched the lives of everyone that knew him. For these reasons and more, it is fitting to erect a sign memorializing Gene and his life well-lived; therefore, be it

Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:

That the Division of Highways is hereby requested to name bridge number 38-66-11.62 (38A133), locally known as Cass Bridge, carrying WV 66 over the Greenbrier River in Pocahontas County, the “Eugene Lee ‘Gene’ Burner Memorial Bridge”; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Commissioner of the Division of Highways is hereby requested to have made and be placed signs identifying the bridge as the “Eugene Lee ‘Gene’ Burner Memorial Bridge”; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Clerk of the Senate is directed to forward a copy of this resolution to the Commissioner of the Division of Highways.

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