Funeral services for 70 year old MSGT Robert Lee Burden (Ret USAF) will be held on Thursday, February 17, 2011 at 10:30 a.m. at the Lawrence Funeral Home, Canton with Pastor Donna Doig officiating. Calling hours will be Wednesday from 5-8 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be in Beech Plains Cemetery in the Spring.
Mr. Burden died Saturday, February 12th at the Pitt Community Memorial Hospital in Greenville, NC.
Surviving are his wife Janet (Matthews) Burden of Goldsboro, NC; two sons, Robb Lynn Burden and wife Jennifer of Roanoke, VA and Derek Richard Burden and wife Saunya of Bella Vista, AR; one daughter, Teresa Ann Martz of Walstonburg, NC; two brothers, Frank Burden and Kenneth Jessmon, Jr. and wife Glenda; and seven grandchildren, Fletcher Burden, Magnolia Burden, Kraig Rutherford, Kile Courtney-Burden, Carin Martz, Daniel Martz and Breanna Martz.
He was pre-deceased by his step-father, Kenneth Jessmon; and two brothers, Wayne and Larry Burden.
He was born May 13, 1940 in Coffeeville, MS the son of the late Clifton B. and Mary K. (Lyles) Burden. He was a veteran of the US Air Force serving from 1958-1978, attaining the rank of Master Sgt. After his honorable discharge he attended college for automotive and opened his own repair shop, named “Bob’s Garage” (1978-2005).
On December 6, 1971 in Phoenix, AZ he married Janet Lee Matthews.
A few of Robert’s interests included camping with the Boy Scouts, fishing and restoring classic cars.
Memorial contributions may be made to: The American Cancer Society, 6725 Lyon Street, P.O. Box #7, East Syracuse, NY 13057
