Larry E. Burd

Larry E. Burd, 79 of Gaylord, died at home on Tuesday, January 7, 2014. Born in Johannesburg on April 15, 1934, Larry was the son of Lyle Beckett and Rita Marie (Sorenson) Burd. On November 5, 1954, Larry and LouAnne Lee were married at the United Methodist Church in Gaylord. They lived in Gaylord where Larry worked at the U.S. Post Office. Later they moved to Kalamazoo County where they lived at Gull Lake for many years. Larry worked in the engineering department at the Battle Creek VA Hospital from 1972 until 1995. He also worked as a police officer for Ross Township and as a marine patrol officer on Gull Lake during the summer months. He also worked for the Kalamazoo County Sheriff’s Department as a reserve deputy. At Ross Township Larry taught boating safety and was a cold water dive specialist. In retirement, Larry and LouAnne traveled extensively throughout the U.S. and Canada and lived full time in their motor home for several years. In 2012 they returned to Gaylord to be near family. Larry enjoyed watching sports on television and in retirement he became an avid bingo player. Loved and missed by his family, Larry will be remembered as Uncle Chicken Legs, a name given him by one of his nieces. He is survived by LouAnne, his wife of almost 60 years; daughters, Anida (Ron) Inman of East Jordan, Kelly (Russ) Suiter of Gaylord and LeeAnne Hughes of Kannapolis, NC; a son, Larry E. Burd Jr. of Kalamazoo; 19 grandchildren and 32 great grandchildren. Also surviving are sisters, Barbara Samkowiak of Gaylord, Sharon Duff of Clio and Lois (Gene) Hogan of Harrison, FL and Brenda Damerow of Sanford; a brother, Roger Burd of Falls Church, VA and many nieces and nephews. Larry was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Jack, Peter and Richard Burd. Memorial services will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, January 11, 2014 at Gaylord Community Funeral Home, 850 North Center Avenue with Rev. John Naile officiating. Larry’s family will visit with friends at the funeral home on Saturday beginning at 1:00 PM. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to his family. Please share your memories and personal messages with the family at www.gaylordfuneralhome.com

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