Edward L. Burnham

Edward L. Burnham of Loch Lloyd, Kansas City, MO passed away peacefully at the Northcare Hospice and Palliative Care Unit on November 17, 2016. He was born August 29, 1919, in North Windham, CT, son of John and Emma (Griggs) Burnham. He is predeceased by brothers Charles Tallman and Stowell L. Burnham. He is survived by brothers John (Helen) and Herbert (Anna) Burnham of North Windham, CT and also by many nieces and nephews.

Edward attended the Windham school system and graduated from Windham High School. He attended Trinity College in Hartford, CT and graduated in 1940.

He worked at the Willimantic Lumber and Coal Co. until he took employment with the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

In 1946 Edward joined VFW Post 1724 Willimantic. In 1961 he was named Quartermaster of the Department of Connecticut. In 1967 he moved to Kansas City joining the VFW National Headquarters Staff. He served two years as National Membership Director and 10 years as Director of Youth Activities and the Voice of Democracy Program. He was appointed Assistant Adjutant General, in 1979 until his retirement.

Edward enlisted in the Army Air Corps in October of 1942. After pilot training he was in a B-17 Flying Fortress Co-Pilot in the 8th Air Force for 35 missions in the European Theatre. All nine members of his B-17 crew have predeceased him. After World War II he remained in the Reserve Program until his retirement in 1974 with the rank of Colonel from the United States Air Force. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, The Air Medal with Four Oak Leaf Clusters and Four Battle Stars for participation in the European Air Offensive.

After his retirement from the VFW, Edward began running. He competed in many 5 and 10k runs. He trained for a marathon and went on to complete 143. He completed marathons in each State of the Union and also in many foreign countries.

Edward was a four-term member of the Windham Board of Education, serving as Chairman 7 years, and a long-time Treasurer of the North Windham Volunteer Fire Department. Most recently he was presented the French Legion of Honor for his World War II service.

Visitation will be on Sunday, November 20, from 4:00pm to 5:00pm, followed by the funeral service at 5:00pm, at McGilley State Line Chapel. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Military Officers’ Association of America, Heart of America Chapter, Family Support Program, 22804 W. 73rd St., Shawnee, KS 66227.