Burnis Koth Lawrence, 86, an editor and publisher at numerous newspapers across the state, including the Hondo Anvil Herald, died Thursday, March 5, 2009, in Alpine. Born February 10, 1923 in Bronson, TX, Lawrence was a World War II veteran, spending 34 years active and reserve duty in the United States Army Air Corps and US Air Force, retiring with the rank of Colonel. He served his country in World War II, training as a P-38 aircraft mechanic, and celebrating V-E Day in London, in front of Buckingham Palace. After his discharge, he remained in the Reserves. He attended college at Stephen F. Austin State in Nacogdoches, completing his four-year degree in 2 1/2 years. His newspaper career began in 1948, when an instructor and a couple of friends forged his signature on an application to become editor of the student publication, The Pine Log. He was surprised when the college president called to congratulate him on his appointment, but he accepted to show his friends he could do the job. After graduation, he applied for a commission in the Air Force Reserves. He was recalled to the Air Force in 1953, ended up back in London, where he edited the base paper at Shepherds Air Field, and got out of the service in 1957. He remained in the Reserves, however, finally retiring 24 years later, in 1981, as a full bird colonel. In his career as a newspaperman, he worked for 15 different publications around the state, including three stints at the Hondo Anvil Herald, where he was publisher from 1970 to 1981. Through the newspaper, he was a driving force behind the relocation of the deteriorating Southern Pacific Depot to its present location and restoration as the Medina County Museum. His "Dear Boss..." column was a regular fixture of the Anvil Herald and many of the newspapers where he worked. It was usually funny, sometimes controversial, but always thought-provoking. And they always concluded with, "Your Roving Reporter, BKL." He retired from the newspaper business in 1998 as editor of the Alpine Avalanche, but continued to write his column for several more years. His newspapering jobs included stops in Nacogdoches, Lubbock, Post, Pecos, Waco, Beeville, Sinton, Refugio, Lampasas, Weslaco, Seguin, Mathis, Crosbyton, Alpine, as well as his three stints in Hondo. For a time, he owned the papers in Refugio and Crosbyton. He was president of the South Texas Press Association in 1977-78, and was the recipient of that association's Chester Evans Award in 2003, given in recognition of lengthy and distinguished service in the newspaper business. Also in 2003, he received the Texas Press Association's Golden 50 Award, recognizing those who have served in the newspaper industry for half a century. He also served for a time as executive director of the Hondo Chamber of Commerce in the late 1980s. While in Alpine, he served on the Alpine City Council. He was a loving husband, father and brother. He is preceded in death by his parents and his daughter Sheila Ann Porter. Survivors include his sister Dixie Allen of Alpine, his son, Jason Lawrence of Eatonton, GA and numerous stepchildren and grandchildren. Graveside military service was held Monday, March 9, 2009, at 10 a.m., in Elm Grove Cemetery. Alpine Memorial Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to any local favorite charity.