Obituaries

Burrell Duane Plucknett

With love in our hearts we announce the sudden passing of Burrell Duane Plucknett, 87, of Santa Paula, on September 17th due to a tragic accident while driving his horse drawn buggy with his daughter. Burrell was born April 14, 1925 in DeWitt, NE and had been a county resident for 25 years, coming from the Chatsworth/San Fernando Valley area.

Burrell worked for the federal government, retiring as a land procurement contract administrator. In Burrell’s retirement, he was able to devote many hours in community service helping his fellow man. He was the past president of the Chatsworth Lions Club, he was active in the Chatsworth Historical Society, and a member of the Ventura County Model T Club as well as a member of the Horse Drawn Carriage Association.

Burrell had a passion for restoring and driving horse drawn carriages and buggies. Over the years he had restored many of these horse drawn treasures that have found homes throughout the United States. He also was a master wood craftsman, building many wood creations including toy cars and trucks in his workshop.

Many residents in Santa Paula and namely in the Oaks neighborhood will fondly remember Burrell driving through the neighborhood with his newest restored buggy, especially during Christmas time, when he would attach bells to the horse and do a Christmas carriage drive. Some will remember Burrell having his horse in the house for holiday pictures.

Burrell is survived by his loving daughter, Peggy Sioux Myking of San Luis Obispo; sister, Kathleen Day; brothers-in-law Robert and Gerald Murray; and many loving nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his Corgi dogs. He raised many puppies and made sure they found good and caring homes.

Burrell was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 53 years, Patricia Murray Plucknett; and his son, Douglas “Murray” Plucknett, in July of 2012.

A memorial service to celebrate Burrell’s life is planned for 2 p.m. Sunday, September 23 at St. Paul’s Episcopal & Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 117 N. 7th St., Santa Paula. The Reverend Ron Dybvig will officiate. A reception will follow the service at the home Burrell built in the Oaks.

In lieu of flowers and as an expression of love and sympathy, the family suggests memorial donations to your favorite charity.

Arrangements are in the care of Guardian Memorial, Funeral Directors and Crematory, Ventura County, a Heritage Life Tribute Center, Oxnard, 805-485-2572.