of Harrison, AR

November 17, 1928 - September 2, 2024

Robert D. Burdine, age 95, of Harrison passed away peacefully with his family by his side, on Monday, September 2, 2024. He was born in Vendor, Arkansas on November 17, 1928 to the late Russell and Bertha (Norton) Burdine. Robert was a 1947 graduate of Mt. Judea High School. He and Edna Waters were married on May 31, 1958 and enjoyed 66 years together. They were members of the First Baptist Church of Harrison and often attended the outdoor service at the Church at Silver Valley.

Robert often said, "if there ever was a lucky orphan, I certainly was one". He was raised from age 2 ½ by his maternal grandparents and always considered his Norton aunts and uncles as his siblings. Lester, Howard, Earl, Leonard, "Doc" Norton, lnez Greenhaw, Ava Cooper, Ova Smith, and Lucille Smith, all preceded him in death.

Robert successfully managed the Farmer's Co-op of Harrison and Jasper for 38 years, from 1958-1995. Under his leadership the Co-op was the first to have a bulk fertilizer plant and the first to offer bulk fertilizer spreading and established the lawn and garden center at the Co-op. He loved his work and always encouraged his employees to treat customers as they would want to be treated. During Robert's service as manager of the Co-op he had the privilege of serving on the board of the Southern Farmers Association of North Little Rock, Arkansas and the Board of MFA of Springfield, Missouri. He earned the respect of many people in Arkansas, Missouri, and Louisiana. During this time, he had the privilege of meeting governors, senators and congressmen from Arkansas and Missouri.

After his retirement from the Co-op, Robert worked for Christeson Funeral Home from September 2001 to 2018. Robert loved southern gospel music and traveled near and far to hear gospel quartet groups. He and Edna traveled to Louisville, Kentucky to the National Quartet convention 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, and 2003. His favorite quartet group was the Primitive Quartet of Hominy Valley, NC. He also loved to have fun, tell stories and play practical jokes. He loved family deeply, loved statistics of gatherings, had a great memory and never lost his sense of humor. One of the highlights each year was to plan the Norton family reunion. He calculated that as of May 2003 there were 277 descendants of H.C. and Martha Jane Norton.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved maternal grandparents, H. C. and Martha Jane Norton; his brothers, Denver, Eugene, Clinton, and William Burdine; his sisters, Lela Kilgore and Linda Lu Lloyd; and one infant brother.

He is survived by his wife, Edna; four daughters, Ricki (Rod) Kirchhoff of Hallsville, MO, Beverly (Tom) Stokes of Harrison, Robin Campbell of Bolivar, MO and Renetta (Mark) Mistler of Harrison; his grandchildren and (great-grandchildren), Ryan and wife, Julie Kirchhoff of Centralia, Missouri (Brayden & Maddie); Jeri and husband, Jason Redding of Harrison; Heath and wife, Misty Jones of Harrison (Bryce, Landrie, Rhett, and Viviann); Tonia Stokes of Harrison; Reid Kirchhoff of Naples, FL (Allie); Brandon and wife, Vicki Mistler of Russellville, Arkansas (Emi, Connor, and Ollie); Clayton and wife, Samantha Campbell of Bolivar, Missouri (Weston); Brent and wife, Mandy Mistler of Harrison (Luke, Levi, and Elijah); Cory and wife, Promise Campbell of Springfield, Missouri (Remington "Remy"), and Caleb and wife, Rachel Campbell of Springfield (Rilian).

He is also survived by a brother, Russell D. Burdine, Jr., of Rogers, Arkansas; and his sister, Alice Bryant, of Jasper; and many nieces, nephews and friends. He will be greatly missed.

Visitation was held on Sunday, September 8, 2024 and the funeral service on Monday, September 9, 2024, both at the First Baptist Church of Harrison.

Interment was in Maple Leaf Cemetery.

Pallbearers were Heath Jones, Bryce Jones, Jason Redding, Clayton Campbell, Caleb Campbell, Cory Campbell, Brent Mistler and Brandon Mistler.

In memory of Robert, all the pallbearers wore one of Robert's ties.


Memorial contributions to Harrison First Baptist Church or the Church at Silver Valley.

Obituary Provided By:
Roller-Christeson Funeral Home
519 North Spring Street
Harrison, AR  72601
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com