Elder Robert Anthony Burel

Robert Anthony Burel, affectionately known as “Tony,” age 63, of Canal Winchester, OH, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday afternoon, October 21, 2025, at OhioHealth Pickerington Methodist Hospital.

He was born on June 4, 1962, in Fremont, Ohio, to the late Robert E. Burel and Emma Jean (Lomax) Burel.

A 1980 graduate of Fremont Ross High School. He married Frankee Lee on August 24, 1996, in Fremont, OH.

Tony worked for Whirlpool for 15 years and Walmart for six years. A true entrepreneur and visionary, he was the proud owner of Mr. Anthony’s Beauty Supply, founder of the semi-pro football team The Stallions in Fremont, Ohio, and founder of Abundant Life COGIC in Piqua, Ohio.

Tony’s passion for youth and community was evident in his years of coaching football, baseball, and wrestling in the Fremont community. He also coached football for Margaretta High School in Castalia, Ohio, and Trotwood-Madison High School in Trotwood, Ohio. A diehard Michigan Wolverines fan, he could always be heard cheering, “Go Blue!”

He was an active and faithful member of Unity Temple COGIC, where he served as an elder, security team member, and food pantry volunteer. One of his favorite pastimes was working at the OSU football games—running concessions, chatting with fans, and doing what he loved most: connecting with people. Tony never met a stranger, and his warm personality left a lasting impression on everyone he encountered.

Tony’s legacy of love, service, and faith will continue to live on through his family and all those blessed to have known him.

Tony is survived by his wife of 29 years, Frankee Burel of Canal Winchester, OH; his daughter, Nicole Burel, and granddaughter, Amirah Burel, both of Piqua, Ohio. Additional survivors include three sisters: Cyndi Conley, Constance Burel, and Sharon (Glenn) Aaron, all of Westerville, Ohio; two brothers: Ronald Burel of Atlanta, Georgia, and C.J. (Delores) Burel of Fremont, Ohio; his sister-in-law, Katherine Michael of Piqua, Ohio; along with a host of nieces, nephews, and many “bonus” children and grandchildren whom he loved dearly.

Tony was preceded in death by his first wife, Denise R. Martin, his beloved goddaughter, Candace Liggins, his Best friends, Brian “The Candy Man” Whatley, Charles “Chuck” Dagg, and Lamar Lee.