William David Burdett

1943 - 2023

William David Burdett

July 17, 1943 - May 24, 2023

William David Burdett "Dave" passed away peacefully in his home on May 24, 2023.

 

Born in Chicago, Illinois on July 17, 1943, he left as soon as he was old enough and made his way to Texas, where he became a "naturalized Texan-just like Davy Crockett." After two years of college, Dave was commissioned as an Ensign in the U.S. Navy, where he served as a Naval Flight Officer. He flew the A-3 Skywarrior and served during the Vietnam War on two aircraft carriers: the U.S.S. Guadalcanal and Ticonderoga. He was extremely proud of his military career and often shared fond (and funny) memories of his time in the Navy. His last duty station, Naval Air Station Corpus Christi, is where he met and married his wife, Kathleen Bowen, who survives him.

 

Upon graduation from Texas A&I Kingsville (now part of Texas A&M) and SMU Law School, he became an attorney. After practicing law in Dallas for ten years, Dave decided to follow his passion for the outdoors and shooting sports, and he purchased a retail sporting goods store in Hearne, TX. He was sure his then 4-year-old son, Barry, would want to be a part of the business, so he named the store Burdett and Son Sporting Goods. He continued to practice law in Burleson and Brazos Counties for fifteen years, but most enjoyed operating Burdett & Son alongside Kathy. He and Kathy were also very involved in the community, through both their business and their many volunteer roles. After forty years in business, Burdett & Son is still thriving at its present location across from Texas A&M on Texas Ave, and Dave has passed it on to the next generation: Barry and his family.

 

One of Dave's greatest passions was helping and mentoring young people. He taught hunter safety to over 1,000 young people in the state of Texas, earning him the prestigious Texas Parks and Wildlife Award. He also earned the Silver Beaver Award from the Boy Scouts of America after serving as a scout leader for over 25 years. Additionally, he taught many self-defense and firearm safety classes to adults as one of the first License to Carry instructors in the Brazos Valley.

 

Dave was also deeply passionate about teaching history and patriotism, especially Texas history, the American Revolution, and the Civil War. He reenacted battles across the United States, and sincerely enjoyed getting dressed up in uniforms to teach others. He eagerly spoke at many local schools, Boy Scout packs and troops, Sons of the Confederate Veterans, community events-and to anyone who wanted (or, in Dave's eyes, needed) a history lesson.

 

Dave's greatest accomplishments came as Dad, Grandpa, and Great-Grandpa. His children, Barry, Amanda, and Andrea survive him. He was also extremely proud of their spouses, Sarah, Adam Hopper, and Ryan Ratcliffe. He is survived by his grandchildren, Destine Mejia and her husband, Alex; Victoria, Thomas, and Jaxson Cruz; Daisy and Lily Hopper; Bailey, Corwyn, and Daphne Burdett; and Jeren David and Elliana Ratcliffe. He is also survived by his great-grandson, Kooper Whitaker; his adopted granddaughter, Hayle Swanzy; and great-granddaughter, Hazel; his aunt, Lois Flaws; and stepbrother, Scott Wheeler. Finally, Dave's family would like to express their sincere appreciation to his devoted and loving caregivers, Ashley, Dani, Nancy, and Josh.

 

His life will be celebrated at 2 p.m., on June 17, 2023, at First Presbyterian Church. The celebration can be viewed via live-stream at that time, or any time after, at: www.youtube.com/@firstpresbyterianchurchofb5205/streams. If you plan to attend, please wear the uniform that reminds you most of Dave, or your favorite hat-Dave loved to dress up in uniforms and wear hats!

 

In lieu of flowers, donations in his honor may be made to Hospice Brazos Valley; First Presbyterian Church (for the Children's Center for new playground equipment or for the church-sponsored Boy Scout Troop's camp funds); or the Robert Conte Foundation for Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders Inc. at: www.robertcontefoundation.org/dave.