| Graduation Year | Class of 1959 |
| Date of Passing | May 05, 2011 |
| About | Burdette didn’t seem to meet many strangers in his life. He was optimistic, energetically disarming, openly friendly and always interesting. He didn’t express concern about other people and causes: he lived his interest rather than talking about it. During the sometimes difficult integration in 1956-57 of Camden and West Elkton High Schools into the consolidated Shawnee High School, Burdette was protective of his classmates and town yet welcomed the new onrush of ‘enemy’ students immediately, treating them as though they belonged. How ‘good’ was Burdette? Well, he married the Prom Queen –an intelligent, good-looking and exceptionally well-thought of girl – had three daughters, and made his country and community proud on several levels. All in one lifetime. How many can say as much? An early story that illustrated Burdette’s openness and rapport with the social world was the story he shared with us about how he got the nickname “Wormy”. My best guess is that he is presently signing up angels to help with his public service projects after volunteering to help them with theirs, making them laugh, and just generally getting things done. Get a reunion organized Burdette, so when we get there we’ll be just in time for another re-union! From all the Class of 1959. Richard F. Page |
