Aug. 31, 1964 - George Burns nearly collapsed today at funeral rites for his wife and partner, Gracie Allen. The comedian, weeping openly, was helped from Forest Lawn’s Church of the Recessional by Jack Benny and Mr. Burns’s son, Ronald.
Even Mr. Benny, who delivered one of the eulogies, almost collapsed. He broke down twice as he eulogized Miss Allen this way:
“The whole world loved Gracie Allen. The world also recognized her ability as a comedienne. In her performances, the world seemed to know what Gracie was talking about, when she supposedly didn’t.
“She deserved this recognition because she lived in a world of laughter which was partly her own creation.”
More than 300 persons, including some of the biggest names in show business, overflowed the chapel. Outside, more than 1,000 fans stood at attention as the words of the eulogies came over loudspeakers.
The rites were Protestant Episcopal, although Miss Allen was a Roman Catholic.
A close family friend said:
“George wants to be buried with Gracie. Since he is Jewish, he cannot be buried in Catholic consecrated ground. So, he figured that Episcopal rites would be a compromise, the closest thing to a Catholic ceremony.”
Two hymns, “The Rosary” and “Ave Maria,” were played during the rites.
The comedienne was entombed in a bronze coffin covered with a blanket of orchids. More than 150 floral pieces surrounded the coffin.
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