Billy Harlan Burnside

Billy (Bill) Harlan Burnside, 75, formerly of Waco, Texas, passed away Saturday, September 20, 2025 at the home of his niece in West Hanover Township.

Born July 7, 1950 in Weirton, West Virginia, he was the son of the late Bill Hershel and Eva Eujean (Dotson) Burnside, and was also preceded in death by an infant son: David Harlan; his first wife and mother of his children: Robin Burnside Moore; and his late wife: Janet Moore.

Bill’s journey through life was marked by service and dedication. A proud graduate of American High School, he pursued further education and earned an Associate's Degree from Adirondack Bible College. An ordained minister, he touched many lives through his service at the Evangelical Wesleyan Church and the Allegheny Wesleyan Church. His heart was devoted to helping others, and he served as Fire Chief for the Mexia State School in Texas. Before that, he had a distinguished career in public service as a police officer in Elkland, Pennsylvania, and as a Sheriff’s Deputy in Missoula County, Montana.

His adventurous spirit and passion for others took him and Robin to Montana in 1985, where they served as missionaries and dorm parents at the Northwest Indian Bible School. Bill's warmth and kindness made a lasting impact on those he encountered along the way.

A man of many talents, Bill had a deep love for trains—both model and full-size. He took joy in building model trains and often traveled by Amtrak from Texas to Pennsylvania. With his gifted hands, he restored two John Deere tractors and could mend almost anything that came his way. His woodworking skills were exceptional; he crafted beautiful furniture, intricate wall art, knick-knacks, and festive Christmas decorations that filled the homes and hearts of his family with love. Several family homes, including his own, were built by him.

Bill's legacy lives on through his children: Jennifer Adkins (and her husband, Richard), Heidi Burnside, and David Charles Burnside. He is also survived by his beloved sisters, Brenda Symons (and her husband, Dennis) and Esther Burnside (and her lifelong friend, Lucinda Nemet); as well as four grandchildren: Courtney Smithey (and her husband, Dillon), William Hutyra (and his wife, Marissa), Tyler Davis (and his girlfriend, Kera), and Ryleigh Moore. Bill found joy in his three great-grandchildren: Boston, Adrian, and Elodie Smithey. His extended family - nieces: Teresa, Michelle, Brittany and Christina Symons; nephews: Eric Symons (and his wife, Kim), Michael Symons, Alan Symons (and his wife, Briana); great-nephews: Noah, Seth, and Isaiah Symons; and great-nieces: Krista, Skye, and Athena Symons and Damita Settle - will forever treasure his memory and the love he shared with them.

A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, October 3rd, 2025 at 11:00 am at the Evangelical Wesleyan Church, 4727 Marblehead St, Harrisburg, PA 17109, and a Celebration of Life will take place on Friday, October 10th, 2025 at 10:00 am at the Lake Shore Funeral Home & Crematory, 5201 Steinbeck Bend Dr., Waco, TX 76708.

Kimmel Funeral Home, Harrisburg, is handling arrangements.