Robert Burnell

Robert A. Burnell, 90, of Danville, passed away after a brief illness at Hendricks County Hospital on Thursday, May 14, 2026.

He was born in Danville to his parents, Ellis Douglas and Rose Josephine Burnell, on August 12, 1935. He graduated from Pittsboro High School in 1953 and remained in the Danville area for his entire life. He found his calling on the family farm and began his lifelong love for agriculture.

His love of the land was brought forth not just by its harvest, but by the way of life. He relished getting his hands dirty, whether it be working the soil, replacing a tractor part, or nurturing the crops.

He believed that the past was just as important as the present and understood the importance of keeping it close. Whether he was reliving the Old West through Zane Grey’s eyes or riding down Main Street on an antique tractor or a 1951 Pontiac, Robert always embraced where he came from with passion.

He enjoyed spending time with friends, sharing a cup of coffee at the local coffee shop while talking about the weather, a prank he just pulled, or the latest accomplishment of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Friendship was a commodity that was never in short supply for Robert, as he seemed to know everyone and everyone seemed to know him.

Anyone who calls farming his or her profession knows that success can only be achieved through the love and support of family, and Robert understood that as well as anyone. His love for his family was boundless, and his sense of pride was apparent to anyone who struck up a conversation with him.

He was predeceased by his wife, Patricia A. Burnell (Tate), with whom he lovingly spent 31 years until her passing in 1987. He remarried in 1988 to Shirley A. Burnell (Coleman) and was together with her for 35 years until her passing in 2023.

He is survived by two sons, one daughter, two daughters-in-law, and one son-in-law: Douglas and Beth Burnell of Danville, David and Brenda Burnell of Danville, and Donna and Jack Jones of Middletown, CT; his eight grandchildren: Brian Burnell and his wife Miriah, Dan Burnell, Elisabeth Morgan and her husband Will, Ashley Johnson and her husband Matt, Nick Rutherford, Justin Rutherford and his wife Katie, Benjamin Jones, and Jacob Jones; and his nine great-grandchildren: Bretta, Adaline, Kelley, Rylan, Rinley, Lily, Kinsley, Tessa, and Harlow.

Service Information

Friends are invited to gather with the family for visitation from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM on Monday, May 18, 2026, at Eric MD Bell Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at the funeral home. He will be laid to rest in the Lizton K of P Cemetery following the services.

All are encouraged to keep the family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time of loss. Arrangements are entrusted to the Eric MD Bell Funeral Home.