Leonard Burden

Leonard Burden, 89, of Evansville, passed away, Monday, June 13, 2016, at his oldest daughter’s home, surrounded by family. He was born December 25, 1926, in Herron, IL, to the late, Granville and Sally Beatrice (Ford) Burden.

He grew up a farm boy and was an entrepreneur of all things. He became owner of Motel Norman where he also sold fruit and Christmas trees, and from there, Red Barn Markets was born. He independently drove his own coal bucket for Buchta Coal Company and was an expeditor until the age of 84. Through this job, he would set up trips to visit various family members all over the country. Leonard loved and enjoyed music of all eras and was a story-teller that loved to tell jokes. He always had a Bible, and loved and followed God.

Leonard was preceded in death by his first wife, Margaret (Norman) Burden; sister, Garland; and his parents.

He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Judith Burden; daughters, Beverly (Dan Spisich) Burden and Kittye (Raymond “Butch”) Kuester; son, Roger (Clarita) Burden; grandchildren, Matthew, Andy and Lindsey Burden, Jennifer Sulawske, Kyle, Ross and Todd Kuester, and Leah and Aubree Money; and 13 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held 11:00 AM Friday, June 17, 2016, at Alexander West Chapel, officiated by Pastor David Peterson and Pastor Ross Kuester, with entombment in Alexander Memorial Park. Friends may visit Thursday from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM and Friday from 10:00 AM until service time at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to Salem Church of Darmstadt, 14134 Darmstadt Rd., Evansville, IN 47725. Condolences may be made online at www.AlexanderWestChapel.com.