Joseph Layson "J.L." Burditt

MONROE CITY, Mo. -- Joseph Layson "J.L." Burditt, 72, of Monroe City, died Wednesday (Sept. 10, 2008) in his home. He was born Nov. 23, 1935, in Hannibal, a son of Joseph Albert and Cornelia Maude Tuley Burditt. He graduated from Monroe City High School in 1953. He received his bachelor's of science degree from the Central Methodist College in Fayette and later received his master's degree from Kirksville State Teachers College. J.L. served in the National Guard and the U.S. Army for several years. He taught and was a basketball coach in Center, Edina, Philadelphia and Monroe City schools for many years. Later he and his father and his brother, Jerry, owned and operated Burditt Sporting Goods of Monroe City. He was a member of Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Monroe City. J.L. never married. Survivors include a brother, Jerry Burditt and his wife, Katherine Sue "Totty" of rural Monroe City; and three nephews, Brad Burditt and his wife, Sue, of Lee's Summit, Thad Burditt and his wife, Kathyrn, of Lenexa, Kan., and Jerry Todd Burditt and his wife, Bonnie, of Jacksonville, Fla. He was preceded in death by his parents. SERVICES: Concelebrated funeral Mass will be at 11 a.m. Friday in Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Monroe City, conducted by the Rev. Don Antweiler, the Rev. John Groner and the Rev. Bill Flanagan. Burial will be in Holy Rosary Cemetery in Monroe City. Casketbearers will be Fred Berry, John Creasman, Don Hoehne, Carl Hoehne, Bill Crenshaw and Tuley Elliott. Honorary casketbearers will be Dan Dimmitt, Kim Dimmitt and Dee B. Creech. VISITATION: There will be no visitation but friends are invited to the funeral Mass. MEMORIALS: Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Monroe City. ARRANGEMENTS: Garner Funeral Home in Monroe City. Condolence may be expressed online at www.whig.com.