Burdette Herman Beeker

Burdette Bud Beeker, 87 of Fremont passed away on Sunday, August 17, 2008 after a short battle with lung cancer. He was at his home surrounded by and tenderly cared for by his family.

Burdette/Bud was born in Washington Township on August 26, 1920 to the late Harmon S. and Lydia (Swartzman) Beeker. He was a 1938 graduate of Fremont Ross High School. He was captain of his basketball team and was known as the Fighting Feather to his teammates. In early 1943, Burdette/Bud enlisted in the Navy Seabees and on September 30, 1943, he married his high school sweetheart, Betty Dickman in Santa Monica, CA. Burdette/Bud and Betty were to celebrate their 65th wedding anniversary this September.

Burdette/Bud was an area manager for Union Carbide until retiring in 1976 with 35 years of company service. His work with Union Carbide included seven years spent in Charlotte, NC. Burdette/Bud taught Sunday school while living in North Carolina as well as participating in the Optimist Club and coaching little league baseball. Prior to, and upon return to Fremont, he was a member of St. Johns Lutheran Church where he was a Superintendent of Sunday school, a life member of the VFW and a member of the Union Carbide Retirees Group.

Some of his hobbies included golfing, which he had the glory of a hole-in-one at Green Hills Golf Course. For more than 40 years Burdette/Bud was an avid harness racing fan traveling to Indianapolis and The Little Brown Jug, among others. He enjoyed playing cards, OSU sports and especially being around his children, grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

Burdette/Bud is survived by his wife, Betty, his children; Martha Durney of Reno, NV, David Beeker of Oak Harbor, OH, and Janet Welly of Fremont; 4 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents; a son, Bruce of Reno, NV; siblings, Ray, Harry , Carl and Russell Beeker, Bernice Haar and Dorothy Michel.

Burdette/Bud will be greatly missed by his loving family and friends. Memorials may be made to Hospice of Memorial Hospital in Burdette/Buds memory. Memorial services will be held on Friday, August 22nd at 10:30 a.m. at St. Johns Lutheran Church in Fremont.