Cecil Burleson

Cecil Allen “Al” Burleson, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, great-great grandfather and friend, passed away on August 12, 2026, at the age of 94. Born on September 29, 1931, in Albemarle, NC, to Jape C. and Iler P. Burleson, Cecil was the seventh son of the seventh son of Adam and one of 12 siblings.

In 1952, Cecil married the love of his life, Bette Jean Moon. Together, they built a beautiful family, blessed with four children: Michael, Debra, Brian, and Robert. Cecil's family continued to grow, and he was a proud grandfather to six grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren, each of whom brought immense joy to his life. Cecil was predeceased by his beloved wife Bette in late June of 2026, whose memory he cherished deeply.

Cecil dedicated nearly 27 years of his life to serving his country in the U.S. Army, including tours in Korea, Vietnam, and Thailand. He was awarded a Purple Heart and Bronze Star. His military service was a source of great pride for him and a testament to his unwavering commitment to the values of honor and duty.

After retiring from the military in 1975, Cecil channeled his skills and passion into founding his own business, Burleson Electric. His company became a well-respected name in the community, known for its quality work and integrity.

During military service in Monterey, California, his role as a Boy Scout troop leader allowed him to mentor young minds, passing on his values and skills to the next generation. He was a lifetime member of the Radio Club of Tacoma, where he formed lasting friendships and shared his enthusiasm for radio communication. Cecil also had a deep love for raising pigeons, flying model airplanes, and driving his red truck.

A short service will be held at Tahoma National Cemetery, 18600 SE 240th ST., Kent WA 98042 on September 14, 2026, at 10:30AM. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made to a charity of your choice, reflecting Cecil's generous spirit and commitment to helping others.