George W. Burdick

George W. Burdick, 94, of Yeagertown, passed away at 9:14 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2023, surrounded by his loved ones.

Born Feb. 22, 1929, in Yeagertown, he was the son of the late Michael W. and Marian (Leeper) Burdick.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Carla Ann Burdick-Dempsey, his sister, Beverly Sellers, and the love of his life, Mary Lou “Louise” (Burkholder) Burdick, whom he married on April 14, 1949, and with whom he shared a long and loving 66-year marriage.

George is survived by: his son, D. Chris Burdick and wife, Sharon, of Lewistown; son-in-law, Jack Dempsey, of Lewistown; three grandchildren, Lance Peachey and wife, Ashley, of McVeytown, and Landrey and Brooks Burdick; and a great-granddaughter, Rollins Peachey.

He was a 1948 graduate of Derry High School.

Early in life, George was a volunteer fireman in Yeagertown, then served in the U.S. Army from Aug. 1950 to July 1954 during the Korean Conflict while assigned to the 176th Armored Field Artillery Battalion.  He also served in the U.S. Army National Guard.

He was employed by Standard Steel Corporation in Machine Shop 2 as a machinist for 28 years before retiring in 1991.

George was an active member of Yeagertown United Methodist Church.  Throughout his life, he was known for his optimism, cheerful attitude, and charismatic personality.  George loved his family, sports and supporting his community, and spent most of his life doing things that involved all three.  He coached numerous church league basketball teams and Babe Ruth baseball teams for many years.  In the mid-90’s, he was elected honorary Mayor of Yeagertown, and was part of several community projects that focused on providing the community with numerous recreational spaces.  He served as president of the Yeagertown Civics Club, where he helped with the acquisition of what is now known as Derry Field.  During summer months, George enjoyed long weeks of camping at Poe Valley State Park with his family for many years.  He loved football, was an avid Philadelphia Eagles fan, and rarely missed a Chief Logan High School Mingoes and Indian Valley High School Warriors football game.  He was an avid participant in the annual Juniata Valley YMCA senior games, where he competed in water volleyball.

George enjoyed singing and dancing to big band music, especially Sammy Kaye.  Above all, George was a family man who loved and adored his wife, children, and grandchildren.  He videotaped almost every event and memory that occurred in his life, leaving behind a lifetime of footage.  George loved to laugh, be in the presence of his family, and lived in the moment.  He will be remembered for all the good he did in this life and the good he saw in others.

A viewing will be held from 6 to 8 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023, at Heller-Hoenstine Funeral Homes, 108 First Ave., Burnham.

The funeral service will begin at 2 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 10, at the Burnham Funeral Home, with Pastor Steven Smalls officiating.

Interment will take place at Lind Memorial Cemetery, with military honors by VFW Post 7011, Lewistown.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in George’s memory may be made to The Juniata Valley YMCA, 105 1st Ave., Burnham, PA 17009.

Hoenstine Funeral Home, Lewistown, is in charge of arrangements.

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