Category: News
Published: Saturday, August 13 2011 04:12
Written by David A. Fuess
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Burnett S. "Bernie" Fuess, 91, resident of the Conservancy, Keller Texas died today August 17, 2011 at 12:30PM at The Carlisle Center , South Lake, Texas of age related illnesses. Bernie was born March 2, 1920 in Cuero, Texas to Carl "Bob" Fuess and Mary "Minnie" "Billy" St.Hilaire Fuess. No services are planned.

Bernie is survived by his sons David (wife Natasha) of Rock, Michigan, Mark(wife Diane) of Bedford, Texas, Kevin (wife Penny) of Trophy Club, Texas, Paul (wife Tina) of Rowlett, Texas, and Vincent (wife Darlene) of Fort Worth Texas. 10 grandchildren, and numerous great-grandchildren.

Bernie lived a long and productive life. Born in 1920 he saw the Roaring Twenties from a child's perspective and was just beginning to come of age when the Great Depression settled on the country. The US entered World War II just 9 months after his 21st birthday. He was already enrolled in college and sought a waiver from the draft to complete his education. He chose to study Aeronautical Engineering at the University of Texas because it was a trade very much in demand in the war effort. He spent the remainder of the war years working for Consolidated Vultee Aircraft Corporation where he participated in the design of the B-36 Peacemaker intercontinental bomber. As the war was winding down Bernie was at long last drafted by the Air Force and shipped out to an air base near Larkspur, California. After a year of trying to decide where to send him the Air Force finally decided to send him home and that was the end of his military career.

After thrashing around in the aircraft industry for a few more years Bernie discovered he had a knack for sales and joined the firm of Joiner, Meade, and Capers Inc. as an Sales Engineer. One by one the principals fell away and were bought out with the result that Bernie eventually became sole owner of the company. Under Bernie JMC was a very successful company, well known and respected in the business community.  JMC Inc. remains in the family today under his son Kevin's ownership. Bernie spent most of his retirement years at Lake Kiowa, Texas a small lake community near Gainesville.

Bernie is preceded in death by his siblings Hazel, Larry and Carl, his wife of 64 years Patricia "Pat" Smith Fuess, and his eldest son Lawrence "Larry" Fuess.