Chuck Bursell

Charles Gorwood Bursell, 75, died at his home in Port Orchard on February 7, 2010.  He was born February 7, 1935 in Long Beach, CA to Cyril & Hazel Reah (Spongberg) Bursell.  He graduated from David Starr Jordan HS in Long Beach in 1952 and the University of CA at Berkeley in 1956 with a Bachelor's and 1958 with a Master's in Petroleum Engineering.  He married Marlene Delores DeMann on May 16, 1959 in Los Angeles, CA. Charles worked for 32 years as a Petroleum Engineer for Tidewater Oil, Getty Oil & Texaco, retiring in 1990.  He also did quality consulting and taught classes on Thermal Recovery at the University of So. CA. Charles enjoyed music,fishing, hunting, genealogy, camping & was a family history author.  He liked family gatherings and taking his grandchildren on outings.  He was a member of American Petroleum Institute (API), was a Missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) and was former Bishop, Stake High Counselor, Family History Center Specialist, Ward & Stake Missionary & Scout Master. Surviving are wife Marlene; sons David Charles (Shelly Rae) Bursell (Benjamin David, Madeline Grace & Emma Kate) of Windham, NH, John Andrew (Becky Michelle) Bursell (Josie Nicole & J.J.); daughters Karen Annette (Michael) Whitney (Adam Charles (Jami), Spencer Michael (Crystal), Geoffrey Clayton, Justine Margaret & Drew Thomas) of Huron, SD, Beverly Jean (Guy) Miles (Scott David (Jen), Shelley Christine (David) Brown & Charles Tanner), and Jill Elizabeth (Brian) Hargis (Elizabeth Anne, Matthew Henry, Katherine Grace & Andrew Charles), both of Bakersfield, CA; brother Dennis (Susan) Bursell of Heber, UT; 17 grandchildren and great-granddaughter Molly Jean Whitney. Celebration of Life 1:00pm on Thursday, February 11, 2010 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Hoover in Port Orchard, with visitation 1 hour prior to the service.  Concluding services will be in Bakersfield, CA at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Stake Center, 500 Fruitvale Ave., 11:00 am Saturday, February 13, 2010.  Burial will be at the Greenlawn Cemetery in Bakersfield.