Burlon was born February 4, 1937, to Charlie and Minnie Lee Burkes Commer. On December 26, 1959, he married his high school sweetheart, Catherine Taylor. He earned an Associate’s degree from East Central Community College. Next, he attended Mississippi State University and he finished his Bachelor’s degree in English, History and Speech at the University of Southern Mississippi. After graduation, he served as the principal of East Neshoba and Dixon schools in Neshoba County. He was a Bible scholar and a history buff so he enrolled in Bible College. He always enjoyed reading, learning and teaching others whether in the secular fields in which he majored or in a Bible study. Next, he attended the LSU School of Banking and Finance and upon graduation; he began his career in the banking industry at Commercial National Bank in Laurel, Mississippi. In 1977, he answered the call that Jesus placed in his heart and moved to Louisville as the pastor of First Apostolic Church where he faithfully served the congregation for 37 years until his retirement in 2014. One of his favorite hobbies was his greenhouse where his “green thumb” could grow anything. Another hobby was his talent in woodworking which he used to build several pieces of furniture for their home. He was a wonderful communicator and counseled numerous people during his years in the ministry.
Bro. Commer is survived by his loving wife of almost 60 years Catherine Taylor Commer of Louisville; his daughter Donna Renee DePriest and husband Kent of Collierville, Tennessee; and his son Jimmy Commer and wife Caroline “Boo” also of Louisville. One of his greatest joys was being “Pop” to his three grandchildren: Brent (Molly) DePriest, Jordan DePriest, and Kimberly Commer; and his three great-grandchildren: Sophia, Stella, and Harper DePriest. He is also survived by his sister Mary Lowrey and husband Rev. Bobby Lowrey; and two brothers Jasper Commer and wife Dorothy; and J. W. Commer all of Philadelphia, Mississippi; and his brother-in-law Rev. Lloyd Adcock of Brandon, Mississippi. Bro. Commer also leaves behind to mourn his passing a host of nieces, nephews, and friends all over the world. He is preceded in death by his son Joey Wayne Commer; his parents; his sister Eloise Adcock; and his sister-in-law Gladious Commer.
Serving as pallbearers are Donnie Commer, Terry Commer, Jeffrey Kirkland, Rodney Lowrey, Chris Mitchell, and Donald Joe Nowell. Honorary pallbearers are Paul Adcock and Nathan Commer.
Services are under the direction of Nowell Massey Funeral Home, 724 North Columbus Avenue, Louisville, MS. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family by signing the guest register at www.nowellmasseyfuneralhome.com.
