GUILFORD – Elden R. “Dan” Burdin, 86, died May 4, 2009. Dan was the loving husband of Phyllis G. Burdin, 1922-2005, for 46 years, and for the past 50 years, the beloved father of his son and five stepsons and their families. Dan was born March 21, 1923, in Stoughton, Mass., son of Leroy and Helen Higgins Burdin, and grew up in Cambridge. A World War II paratroop hero, hard-working longtime employee of Haley Construction, well-loved school bus driver, and into his 80s a flower delivery man throughout Piscataquis County, Dan was an important part of the fabric of his community. People always enjoyed his delightful sense of humor and his devotion to family and friends. In recent years he especially loved visiting with his two nearby great-grandchildren, Payton and Preston, and spending time with his very special friend, Sandy Engstrom. Dan also enjoyed his daily visits with his devoted neighbor, Dickie Hersey. From 1942 to 1945, he served in 82nd Airborne Division of 507th Parachute Infantry Regiment, making jumps at Normandy, France and Germany. He attained the rank of tech sergeant and was awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart. In 1959, he married Phyllis and instantly became stepdad to five sons. Later their son, Douglas, was born. For many years he drove logging trucks from the deep woods and later drove cement trucks for Haley Construction. In retirement he drove school bus for SAD 4 and later was the friendly smile behind flower deliveries in the county. Dan was an active member of Guilford United Methodist Church and a 50-year member of Cambridge Masonic Lodge. He established a scholarship at Piscataquis Community High School in the name of Phyllis and continued to support school athletic events and Guilford Memorial Library. Dan insisted upon living in his home where he could be close to friends right up until his recent illness. In his spare time, Dan would visit the Hibbard Nursing Home where, two or three times a week, he would call bingo games for the residents. He was predeceased by his brother, Herbert Burdin and his sister, Eleanor Bell. Survivors include his sister, Clara Watson and her husband, Barney, of Cambridge; and his six sons and their wives, John “Jay” and Celestine Thompson of Dewitt, N.Y., Peter and Mary Thompson of Readfield, William and Sheila Thompson of Guilford, Philip and Janet Thompson of Gorham, Mark and Ada Thompson of North Miami, Fla., and Douglas and Bobbi-Jo Burdin of Gardiner. Grandchildren include George Thompson of Seattle, John “Jay” Thompson of Old Orchard Beach, Julie Thompson of Milwaukee, Heidi Thompson of Sangerville, Dr. Elisa Thompson of Charleston, Derek and Ryan Thompson of Columbia, Md., Daniel and Michael Burdin of Gardiner and Adam Thompson of Readfield; and great-grandchildren include Valen Richard of Livermore Falls, Angela Kelley-Thompson of Columbia, Md., and Payton and Preston Barbro of Charleston. A funeral service will be held 2:30 p.m. Friday, May 8, at Guilford United Methodist Church with Pastor Stephen Dean officiating. Burial will be at Lawn Cemetery, Guilford. In lieu of flowers, the family request gifts be considered for the 507th Parachute Infantry Regiment Association, 1261 Newark Ave., Whiting, NJ 08759. Arrangements by Crosby & Neal Funeral Home, Guilford. For an online guest register, go to www.CrosbyNeal.com.
ELDEN R. ‘DAN’ BURDIN
