Thomas Burdge

BURDGE

Thomas E.

Thomas E. Burdge, a.k.a. Popeye, started his new everlasting life on Saturday, November 10, 2012.

In Tom's very words, "Don't cry for me, I'm the lucky one. I get to go home. I didn't fight cancer for the past year. I lived my life to the fullest and enjoyed every day God gave me. I'm going to see my daughter Jennifer. My mom and dad will be there to greet me and I can finally find out if dad has been doing any farming in Heaven. I'll now have the time to chum around with my buddy Jack Wagner and see how much trouble he's gotten into. The hardest part of leaving is saying goodbye, after that it should be smooth sailing. If you want to see me again accept God's plan of salvation, it's the only way to enter into the gates of Heaven. I want every one of my family and friends there, so please don't let me down, it's going to be so great."

Tom was born into the family of Ross and Betty Burdge on May 23, 1955, in the front yard by his Grammi and a passing truck driver. One of eight siblings, Melody (Jan) Dufendock, Sherry (Randy) Schling, Brenda (John) Giles, Debbie (Keith) Riffle, Tami Kontak (Jeff Andrews), Ross Burdge (Trudie Harris) and Patrick (Jackie) Burdge. On June 21, 1974, he married his childhood sweetheart, Brenda Reffitt, and they had three children, Jennifer (Mike) Clark, Heather (Robert) Johnson and Thomas (Mercedes) Burdge. They blessed us with six grandchildren, Michael and Jayce Clark, Devin and Mackenzie Johnson and Vedah and Brenna Burdge. Other special family members include father and mother-in-law, Glen and Rushia Reffitt, brother and sister-in-law, Rod and Charlene Reffitt, treasured uncle, Wayne and aunt, Luette Burdge, and many other special nieces, nephews and cousins.

Our Christian brothers and sisters of Foundation Stone Church are so much a part of our family. Tom had a very tight relationship with his brothers and sisters at Jeep. Over the 29 years, he had a bond with his fellow workers that have carried over into our personal life. They went far beyond to do everything they could to help Tom and to honor him after his retirement due to his illness. A special thank-you to Anna and Chris at Anna's Restaurant for being a part of our Wednesday breakfasts. You made his last birthday on this earth very special. In the past Tom worked at Chrysler Jeep, Interlake Iron, the Ship Yards and the railroad, but his highest achievements were measured in his love for his God, family and friends. Those are the things he is most proud of. Today Heaven received a true and faithful son.

Showing and Funeral will be held at Foundation Stone Christian Church, 4532 Woodville Rd., Northwood, OH 43619, Thursday, November 15, 2012, 9:00 a.m. for family and 10:00 a.m. till 5:00 p.m. for friends. The service will be at 5:00 p.m. and dinner following. Tom has requested casual dress only. In lieu of flowers, please consider the family or our food pantry at church. The Robinson-Walker Funeral Home & Crematory, 501 West St., Genoa, OH 43430, has assisted the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be shared at walkerfuneralhomes.com