BREMEN, Ky. — Willard “Billy” Gaithel Burden, 87, of Bremen, passed away peacefully on Monday, Nov. 4, 2019, at 3:43 a.m., surrounded by family and under the care of Hospice of Western Kentucky. Mr. Burden was born Oct. 27, 1932, in Rosine, Kentucky, in Ohio County.
He worked road construction at a young age, then went to work at Peabody Coal Company River Queen Mines, operating a D11 bulldozer until he retired in 1992. He was a man of many skills, including mechanic work, and he could build anything.
His hobbies included fishing, gardening, and tending to his livestock. He had a love for all animals, especially horses. He also loved listening to traditional country and bluegrass music and playing his guitar.
He was a loving, gentle, and patient husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and great-great-grandfather.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Sonnie and Pansye Duvall Burden; son, Greg Burden; and sisters, Anna Jean Mackey and Betty Thompson.
He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Nancy Stogner Burden; sons, Danny (Kim) Burden and Larry Burden; grandchildren, Melinda Burden Hearld, Adam (Brittany) Croxton, Andy (Rebecca) Burden, and Ben (Harlee) Burden; great-grandchildren, Alisha-Beth (Kyle) Wade, Joseph (Alissa) Hearld, Hanna Hearld, Ananna Croxton, and Brynlee Croxton; and great-great-granddaughter, Addison Wade.
Funeral services will be Wednesday, Nov. 6, at 1 p.m. at Tucker Funeral Home in Central City, with Mr. Paul Moore officiating. Burial in New Harmony Cemetery in Bremen. Visitation will be Wednesday after 10 a.m. at the funeral home.
Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to Hospice of Western Kentucky/Heartford House. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
Online condolences may be made at www.tuckerfuneralhomes.com.