Ronald Burdett

On February 12, 2018, surrounded by his loving family Ronald went to be with the Lord. Ronald was born on March 17, 1948 in Battle Creek, the son of Lymon C. and Dorothy (Smith) Burdett. He was then raised by his mother Shirley Burdett. He had been a lifelong resident of the area and was a 1966 graduate of Battle Creek Central High School. After graduation he joined the U.S. Navy and served from October 16, 1969 to December 1, 1971. He then received his bachelor’s degree from Western Michigan University. Ron began his career with the Battle Creek Police Department on October 23, 1972. He was promoted to Sargent on December 13, 1981, then promoted to Lieutenant on December 18, 1987. Ron retired from the department on August 26, 1994.  He began a second career hiring into the Federal Protective Services Homeland Security in July of 1996. He was promoted to Area Commander until he retired in 2016. He was also a lifetime member of the Centurion Motorcycle Club of Toledo, OH. He was united in marriage on June 18, 1996 to Katherine Burdett who survives. He enjoyed hunting, camping, road trips with his wife, listening to his wife’s playlist, hiking, working in the yard, exercising and motorcycling. He also enjoyed trips to Tennessee and frequent visits with his longtime friend David Riley. Surviving are his children, Kevin (Ginny) Burdett, Rachel (Dan) Symonds, Heather Burdett, Tyler (Ashleigh) Burdett and Travis Padelt; one granddaughter and three grandsons; his sisters, Theresa (Darrel) Richards, Jody (David) Crawford, Vicki (Bob) Stites and Connie Shur. He was preceded in death by his parents, Shirley and Clifford; a brother, Donald Burdett and a sister, Sandra Nealy. Visitation will be held Thursday from 4 to 7:00 p.m., at the Richard A. Henry Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, February 16, 2018, at the funeral home with Fr. Patrick Murphy officiating. Interment with full military honors will follow at Fort Custer National Cemetery. Memorials may be given to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, 3 International Drive Suite 200, Rye Brook, NY 10573. www. henryfuneralhome.org