Wayne Burd

Wayne Elmo Burd, who has resided in Lavaca, Arkansas, since June 2000, passed away on February 22, 2017, while at Greenhurst Rehabilitation Center, just two weeks shy of his 100th birthday. Mr. Burd was born in Okmulgee, Oklahoma on March 12, 1917, to Elmer Burd and Margaret Sara Burd.

He was preceded in death by his wife of seventy four years, Dorothy Bell Burd; and his daughter-in-law, Ruthie Burd. He is survived by his son, Larry Burd of Wichita, Kansas, son, Dr. Ray Burd and wife Jan of Lavaca; and his daughter, Margaret Branson and husband Jim of Gillette, Wyoming. He is also survived by four grandchildren and five great grand children: Jennifer Johnson of Birmingham, Alabama, and her children, Ryan Elizabeth and Maddie Kay; Casey Burd of Springdale and her children Katherine Rose and Isaac Allen; Kelsey Burd and wife Caroline of Fayetteville and their son Ned Hugh Burd; and Dr. Lindsey Erby and husband James of Salt Lake City, Utah.

Wayne began hunting and fishing at the age of six and continued these sporting endeavors with his wife, children, grandchildren and many friends for ninety plus consecutive years. He was a superb shot and held state and Eastern Zone Trap Championships. His varied careers began in California with Union Oil, then to Oklahoma and the liquor import business, and finally supervising the construction of many water and sewer plants in Oklahoma and western Arkansas, always with his loving wife Dorothy at his side.

Wayne was a strong advocate of the Second Amendment and was a life member of the National Rifle Association for seventy six years, winning their Oldest Life Member Award at the national convention on four occasions. Wayne was an avid reader and could be seen all over Charleston, Lavaca and Fort Smith……….driving to and from town, reading two or three books a week, helping with chores around the farm, and planning his big 100th birthday party!!

Wayne’s strong personal values, work ethic and much love for his family and friends will not be forgotten. His family would like to give special thanks to Donna Wilson, the staff at the Charleston Library, the staff at Greenhurst and Peachtree Hospice and his many special friends from Fort Smith, Lavaca, Charleston, Okmulgee, and all over the country who made Poppie’s life so enjoyable until he went to join his beloved Gammie in Heaven.

Visitation will be Friday, February 24, 2017 from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM at Edwards Funeral Home. Graveside service will be 11:00 AM Saturday at Okmulgee Cemetery in Okmulgee, OK under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home.

Memorials may be sent to: NRA, 11250 Waples Mill Road, Fairfax, VA 22030.

Online condolences may be sent to www.edwardsfuneralhome.com