BURDETTE, Forrest M. 1913-2004

BURDETTE, SNYDER, VELLA, WILLIAMSON

Posted By: County Coordinator
Date: 2/21/2009 at 14:39:37

FORREST M. BURDETTE

OSAGE, IOWA — Forrest M. Burdette, 91, of Osage, died Wednesday (Nov. 24, 2004) at the Mitchell County Regional Health Center Hospice Unit in Osage following a short illness.

Forrest was born March 24, 1913, on a Mitchell County farm, in east Lincoln Township, the first child of Preston King and Margaret Vella (Snyder) Burdette. He was educated in the local county school.

Forrest grew to adulthood on the family farm, and continued to farm with his parents on several farms in Mitchell and Floyd counties before moving to Osage in 1958. He then worked for other farmers, until his retirement. Forrest hunted, trapped, and fished as a youth. He was always an avid reader and crossword puzzle fan. More recently, he enjoyed “Jeopardy” and historical, travel, nature, and gospel programs on TV.

Forrest was good at woodworking. He crafted and refinished many furniture pieces. His interest in rocks led him to rock hunting, membership in the North Iowa Rock Club, and to learning lapidary work. He cut and polished many beautiful cabochons for jewelry.

Forrest attended American Sunday School Union meetings with his parents, and he received Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior at the age of 11. He was baptized soon after.

A small group of believers formed a Christian and Missionary Alliance Church at Stillwater, moved to a vacated Lincoln church, and eventually united with other small groups to form the Osage Christian and Missionary Alliance Church. Through the years, Forrest faithfully served the Lord as financial secretary, trustee, board member, and elder. He was well acquainted with the Scriptures and lived an exemplary Christian life.

On Aug. 21, 1971, he married Lucille Abbie Williamson, and they enjoyed a wedding trip to the Wisconsin Dells, the farthest Forrest had been from home. Other trips followed for sightseeing, and rock hunting, the most memorable being to Bible lands of Israel, Jordan, and Egypt.

Forrest will be greatly missed by his wife, Lucille, of Osage, many friends, and a few cousins, who survive him.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday at the Christian and Missionary Alliance Church in Osage with the Rev. Rick Magstadt officiating. Burial will be in the Osage Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday at Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage, and will continue one hour before services on Monday at the church.

He is survived by his wife, Lucille Burdette, of Osage; a few cousins; and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three younger siblings, who all died at birth or soon thereafter.

Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home, (641) 732-3706.

[Mason City Globe Gazette - Nov. 27, 2004]