J.J. and Sue Burden

Together in life for over six decades, and now together in rest, Johnnie J. Burden, Jr. (known by all as J. J. or Jay) and Darla Sue Burden (known by all as Sue) leave behind a legacy of love, laughter, and unwavering devotion to family and faith.

J.J. was born on January 8, 1933, to Johnnie Burden Sr. and Calvin Rena Carriker, and Darla Sue was born on December 10, 1941, to Walter Kiener and Stella Mae Inez Spell. Both were raised on farms near Sayre, Oklahoma, where they learned the value of hard work, family, and community.

They each pursued higher education at Southwestern Oklahoma State University in Weatherford, where their paths would eventually lead to a shared life. Johnnie served honorably in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and was on the Army baseball team. J.J. and Sue were married on June 8, 1962, beginning a lifelong partnership built on faith and friendship.

In 1971, they made their home in Edmond, Oklahoma, where they raised their three children and became longtime members of Edmond First United Methodist Church.

Sue became a Computer Science and Math teacher in Edmond Public Schools and after her retirement she sold educational software. J.J. was an accountant for the Veteran’s Administration until his retirement in the late 80’s.

Everyone who knew Sue knew she had a deep love for George Strait, while J.J. was a dedicated OU Sooners fan who also loved the horse track. He was known for always having a joke ready bringing smiles and groans in equal measure. Everyone who knew J.J. knew he loved a good cup of coffee.

Everyone could always count on both to be in the stands cheering on their grandsons at any sporting event they participated in.

They are remembered for their kindness, warmth, and the joy they brought to everyone around them.

Sue and J.J. are survived by their children, Kevin Burden of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Kristie Fenton of Piedmont, Oklahoma, and Kyle Burden and wife Chrissy of Edmond, Oklahoma, grandchildren Taylor Treadway, Easton K. Fenton and wife Addi, Skyler R. Fenton, and Chase R. Fenton, great-grandchildren Kreed Fenton, Journi Fenton, and Macie Treadway, J.J.’s brother Phil Don Burden and wife Priscilla of Sayre, Oklahoma.

Graveside services for J.J. and Sue will be held at Lone Oak Cemetery in Sayre, Oklahoma, on Saturday, October 11,2025 at noon.

In lieu of flowers please donate in J.J. and Sue’s honor to the Alzheimer’s Association