John Ernest Burnell, 87, was called home to heaven to be with Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on July 26, 2019. He was born in Villa Park, Illinois on April 21, 1932. The way that John lived his life spoke volumes about his character. He had wisdom in his silence, pure joy in his laughter, a deep love of his Heavenly Father and of his family in his heart, understanding in his eyes, compassion in his bear hugs and a strong work ethic in his hands.  John was a Supervisor for General Telephone in Illinois from 1950 to 1985.  He was a lifetime member of the Pawnee Masonic Lodge in Illinois. John received his Bachelors degree from Liberty University and Pastored the New Hope Baptist Church in Waverly, Illinois from 1999 to 2014.  John and his wife Barbara moved to Summerfield, Florida in 2016.  In his spare time, he loved playing his guitars, enjoyed bee-keeping and owned a u-pick your own apple orchard.  John was preceded in death by his father Edward John Burnell, mother Marguarett Henderson, sisters Arlene Adams and Jane Stottler, and son John Edward Burnell. He is survived by his wife Barbara Burnell, daughters Teresa Daniels and Penny Gould, granddaughters Leah Downs, Olivia Bennett and Devin Barton, five great grandchildren, and his brother Thomas Cleveland. A celebration of life will be held in Summerfield, Florida on August 14th to honor this wonderful and loving man.