DeZwarte, Burdette 1928-2007

DEZWARTE, JONES, AMOS

Posted By: Volunteer (email)
Date: 2/8/2008 at 20:00:11

Burdette DeZwarte was born on April 15, 1928, in rural Knoxville to Arthur Michael DeZwarte and Gertrude (Jones) DeZwarte.

He was raised in the Knoxville area and graduated from Knoxville High School. On Dec. 13, 1947, he married Evelyn Arlene Amos at the Little Brown Church in Nashua. Burdette farmed his entire life; additionally he worked off the farm for the Natural Gas Pipeline for a few years and for Maytag for eight years.

Burdette enjoyed all aspects of farming, from planting to fixing machinery; harvesting and everything in between. He liked nature, especially mushroom hunting, gardening, fishing and purple martins. He also enjoyed Nascar races, playing cards and family cookouts. Burdette was well-known for his ability to witch water and he had helped many people locate water for wells through the years. He also kept a journal of the weather and the daily happenings of life. He and Evelyn loved animals and always had several pets. Above all else, Burdette loved his family and the time they spent together.

He passed away on April 14, 2007, at his home at the age of 78.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Lorene Acklin; a brother, Kenneth DeZwarte and his wife, Evelyn on Jan. 13, 2007.

Survivors include his four children, Ronald of Hamilton and Rodney, Tanya Dethrow and Kenton all of Knoxville; 12 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren and his brother, Carroll DeZwarte of Knoxville and many other family members and friends.

A memorial service was held on April 17 at Living Word Fellowship Church with Pastor Doug Brady officiating.

Burdette and Evelyn were interred together at Greenwood Cemetery in a private family ceremony.

Memorials may be made to the Marion County Humane Society.

The Knoxville Journal Express, April 26, 2007