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.
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14 Condolence(s)
Robin Willis
Tuesday, September 10, 2024
Robin and family.. please accept my deepest condolences. What an awesome life Mr.Burdine lived! A servant heart and a devoted family man and loyal citizen. I know you are proud and sad as you say goodbye. My prayers for all of you
Mike Davis
Monday, September 9, 2024
Uncle Robert was such a blessing and I have nothing but fond memories. His humor and deep southern draw are imbedded in my memory. Also will remember him as a great servant and witness of our Lord Jesus Christ.
David Harms and Cynthia Printup-Harms
Monday, September 9, 2024
I just found out about the passing of Robert. I personally did not know him, but he certainly left a beautiful legacy.
I am so sorry for your loss. Praying for God’s comforting touch and peace for you all.
Jerry and Elaine Waters
Sunday, September 8, 2024
We were so sorry to hear of the passing of Robert. Robert and Edna are blessings in our lives. We will keep Edna and family in ours prayers.
Kim
Sunday, September 8, 2024
I am so sorry to learn of Robert’s passing. I had the privilege of knowing him through my uncle Eugene Burdine. Robert was a kind and loving and pleasant man. He and my uncle Eugene were a tribute to their mother and their grandparents. I shall be thinking of Robert’s family. God bless!
John & Janice Clark
Saturday, September 7, 2024
So very sorry to hear this. Robert and Edna were great friends and neighbors as we grew up in Jasper. Hundreds of great memories with them and their families. Our thoughts and prayers for Edna and the girls as they go forward.
Bruce & Cyndy Warning
Saturday, September 7, 2024
Where do I begin with all the memories as a little girl to a grown woman of my Uncle Robert!
I remember always keeping my hands on my braided pigtails when I was little because he loved to tug them, to the sweet words he said to me on my wedding day will be with me.
He always was adding in a little humor to keep life full of laughter.
The way he loved my Aunt Edna and all his girls, was nothing short of perfection.
He will be always missed, always loved, and never forgotten.
To my aunt and cousins, our thoughts and prayers will continue, and knowing he is home we pray can bring you the comfort that only God can give.
Love you all do very much!!!!!
Tom and JudyPannell
Saturday, September 7, 2024
Sorry to hear about Robert’s passing. He was given and enjoyed a long and successful life.
Praying for all family during this difficult time.
May God bless you all,
RIP Robert
Tom and Judy
Janice Larson
Saturday, September 7, 2024
So sorry for your loss.
Terry & Leanna McCutchen
Friday, September 6, 2024
Our deepest sympathy to all of you. We’ve heard so many fun memories about Robert and my Dad, Darrell Greenhaw, growing up and graduating together at Mt. Judea. Dad thought so much about Robert, and will always speak highly of him. Please know our fervent prayers are with all of you. You’re Robert’s legacy now……We know he’s proud of each one of you and you will see him again.
Hazel Cooper
Friday, September 6, 2024
Vernon thought the world of Robert. He will be greatly missed. Praying for your family.
Danny & Linda Edwards
Friday, September 6, 2024
A true Southern Gentleman. Knew him thru business dealings. Always a joy to deal with. Prayers for Family.
Gerald & Velma Norton
Friday, September 6, 2024
I have loved Robert all my life. He was a dear cousin that I had gotten very close to when we were both younger. I have kept that relationship all the years. I look forward to seeing him again in that heavenly home.
Jane (Criner) and Buck Martin
Friday, September 6, 2024
So sorry to hear of Robert’s passing. Keeping all of you in our thoughts and prayers.