ROBERT E. BURLESON
Right Eminent Department Commander (2006-2009)
Southeastern Department

Sir Knight Robert Edward Burleson is a third-generation Floridian. Born in Rockledge, Florida, he is the second son of Gordon Sinclair Burleson, Sr., and Julia LaDrew Burleson. He grew up in Winter Park and Orlando and graduated from William R. Boone High School, where he was a member of the Student Senate, The Boone Legend yearbook staff, Quill & Scroll, and the National Honor Society.
Following high school, he enrolled in Orlando Junior College, where he was Vice Chairman of the Political Union and Editor of The Bagpipe, the school yearbook. After receiving his Associate of Arts degree, he transferred to the University of Florida, Gainesville, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Advertising degree in 1969. While at the University of Florida, he was inducted into Douglas Leigh Chapter of Alpha Delta Sigma, a national professional advertising fraternity for men.
        After graduation, Bob worked briefly for the Ocala Star-Banner and then became Director of Publications for the Environmental Management Association, a national trade association based in Clearwater. He also served as editor of their quarterly magazine. In 1972 he became an Education Officer with the Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission in Miami and was promoted in 1977 to regional supervisor responsible for managing a 10-county public information program from the Commission's regional office in West Palm Beach.
        In 1980 Bob moved back to Orlando to become a writer/editor with Avionics Research Corporation of Florida producing audio-visual training programs for the U.S. Navy. In 1981 he accepted a position with Martin Marietta Corporation's Electronics, Information & Missiles Group. He returned to Avionics Research following his involuntary layoff from Martin in 1992 and is currently serving as a Senior Proposal Specialist under contract with Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control in Orlando.
        Bob joined the U.S. Army Reserve in 1964 and served until his honorable discharge as a Staff Sergeant (E-6) in 1970. In 1967 he attended the U.S. Army Non-Commissioned Officers Academy at Ft. McClellan, Alabama, where he was the Honor Graduate (first in his class).
        He has two sons: Jay, who graduated from Mars Hill College, Mars Hill, North Carolina, with a degree in Communications, and now lives in Montana with his wife Mandy; and Drew, who has a degree from the Art Institute of Pittsburgh and lives in Denver, Colorado, where he is Director of Graphic Design and Web Development for Colorado Veterinary Products. Both are Senior DeMolays.
        Bob began his Masonic career in 1965 when he was raised to the Sublime Degree of a Master Mason in Orlando Lodge No. 69. He affiliated with Eola Lodge No. 207, Orlando, in 1987 and served that lodge as Worshipful Master in 1992. He is a Perpetual Member. He joined the York Rite in 1966 and was Excellent High Priest of Eureka Chapter No. 7 in 1988; Illustrious Master of Orlando Council No. 5 in 1985; and Eminent Commander of Olivet Commandery No. 4 in 1987. He is a life member in all three bodies. Bob is a Past Prior of Florida Priory No. 60, KYCH, and holds the Knight of the York Grand Cross of Honour with 2 quadrants.
        Among his many other Masonic affiliations, he is a member of John B. Phelps York Rite College No. 31 and served as its Governor in 1990. He received the Order of the Purple Cross in 1993 and served as Grand Governor of Florida for the York Rite Sovereign College of North America for 6 years (1998-2004). He was elected a Regent of the Sovereign College in 2005.
Bob is a Past Puissant Sovereign of Labarum Conclave, Red Cross of Constantine, and is the current Intendant General for Florida for the United Grand Imperial Council. He is a Very Eminent Past Preceptor of King of Kings Tabernacle No. XXV, Holy Royal Arch Knight Templar
Priests. Bob is a charter member of Florida College, Masonic Societas Rosicrusiana in Civitatibus Foederatis, and was elevated to Grade IXº and appointed Chief Adept for Florida in 1999.
He has served twice as a District Committee Chairman in the 17th Masonic District of the Grand Lodge, F. & A.M., of Florida. Over the past 20 years, he has served on and,chaired numerous committees of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Florida (where he received the Gold Key Award); the Grand Council of Royal & Select Masters of Florida; and the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of Florida (where he received the Meritorious Service Ribbon with Gold Star-worn for a second award).
        Bob was appointed as Grand Steward of the Grand Council, R. & S.M., of Florida in 1987 and progressed through the line to become Most Illustrious Grand Master in 1992. He also served as Illustrious King of Florida Council of Annointed Kings that same year. He was appointed as Grand Ambassador for the General Grand Council of Cryptic Masons International from 1993-1996, received their Columbian Medal (Southeast Region) for leadership excellence in 1996, and was appointed Right Puissant General Grand Chaplain for the triennium (2002-2005).
He was appointed as Grand Sentinel of the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of Florida in 1994 and progressed through the line to become Right Eminent Grand Commander in 2002. He served as Editor of the Florida Supplement for the Knight Templar magazine for 10 years (1994-2004) and is a Knight Commander of the Temple. He is currently an appointed officer in the Knight Crusaders of the Cross.
He was appointed Department Commander for the Southeastern Department of the Grand Encampment by M.E. Richard B. Baldwin at the 63rd Triennial in Houston, Texas, August 16, 2006.
He is a Past Monarch and Life Member of Ormazd Grotto, M.O.V.P.E.R.; served as Director of publications and Grand Ambassador for the Supreme Council, Grottoes of North America; and was President of the Florida State Grotto Association in 1989-1990. He is a member of the Orlando Scottish Rite, served as Editor of their newsletter for 12 years; and was coroneted a 33degree in 2001. His other Masonic affiliations include the Orlando High Twelve Club; Seminole Chapter No. 373, National Sojourners; the Order of the Golden Key; Grand College of Rites; Grand Master's Council A, A.M.D.; Trinity Chapel, Order of St. Thomas of Acon; Great Chief's Council No. 0, Knight Masons; Masonic Order of the Bath of the U.S.A.; and Oxford Lodge No. 1, Ark Mariners. He is the current Provincial Grand Bung for the U.S.A. of Ye Antient Order of Corks. Bob has served twice as Watchman of Shepherds in Bethany Shrine No. 3,Order of the White Shrine of Jerusalem.
Bob is a Senior DeMolay from John M. Cheney Chapter in Orlando. He is a Past Master Councilor and Representative DeMolay. He received the Grand Lodge of Florida Outstanding Youth Award and is a Past Commander of Central Florida Court of Chevaliers; Past Dean of Saints John Preceptory, Legion of Honor; and has served as a member of the Florida DeMolay Legion of Honor Degree Team since 1994.
He has received several special citations from the Orlando Sentinel Letter Writer's Forum, a Volunteer Service Award from the Central Florida YMCA, and served as a volunteer for the Civic Theatre of Central Florida for 20 years. His other fraternal membership includes Magnolia Lodge No. 21,Independent Order of Odd Fellows, in DeLand, Florida.

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"Knowing Me, Knowing You"