Biography: Paul Bursey was born March 28, 1923 in Blackwell, Oklahoma, but grew up in and around Melbourne, Arkansas. He was a precocious youngster with a predilection for grand adventure. He was that every barefooted youngster at the town's general store bargaining for candy. Yet, he spent endless hours in the woods with the wildlife giving him his all encompassing understanding of nature. His major influences were his grandfather and his great uncles, may of whom were physicians in the area. As a young man Paul felt the urge to serve his country in World War II and enlisted in the Marines where he served his country from May 12, 1943 until March 24, 1946. Paul was a part of the Okinawa Operation; Third Fleet Operation in the Pacific Theater. Shortly after the war, Paul attended Arkansas State University. He then married twice and had three children, all daughters. Paul began working for Douglas Aircraft where he developed a long standing relationship with both Donald Douglas, Jr. and Donald Douglas, Sr. In fact, during this time he was inspired partly by Don, Jr. to develop and put into operation a famous hunting club in California's Malibu area called Whistling Wings Gun and Hunt Club. It was the hot spot for the film and television crowd, especially Warner Bros. Jack Warner and the famous casting director, Sollie Biano, were regulars along with everyone in Hollywood. Paul was such a regular lunching at Warner Bros. that he actually was afforded the luxury of leaving his two youngest daughters on the set of Peyton Place to be looked after by actress Dorothy Provine. In 1964, Paul collaborated with both Donald Douglas, Sr. and his son to bring an aircraft factory, building aircraft doors of all sizes, to his hometown, Melbourne, Arkansas. He garnered the assistance of Congressman Wilbur D. Mills and Senator John L. McClellan whom helped it become a tremendous success for Douglas Aircraft, and offered the town and surrounding area an opportunity for an expanded economy lasting 40 years. Years following, Paul worked with both governors, Orville Faubus and Winthrop Rockefeller, assisting the Arkansas Industrial Development Commission on further industry development within the state. In Paul's later years, his focus returned to his first childhood love of nature inspiring his written ecological studies and special projects aimed at assisting replenishment of our natural resources for future usage. Paul passed away September 12, 2009 and is survived by three daughters; Patricia Koepl, Jan Bursey, and Dr. Deborah Bursey. He is also survived by three grandchildren; Donald Diemer, Tabitha Nesterenko, and Brandon Diemer, and nine great grandchildren. A graveside service will be held on Friday , September 18, 2009 at Arkansas State Veteran’s Cemetery. Cremation arrangements by Ruebel Funeral Home.