Obituary for Mike Burdick

Mike J. Burdick

April 9, 1946 – November 27, 2016

James Michael ”Mike” Burdick, 70, took his final nap on earth on Sunday, November 27, 2016 at Cornerstone Hospital in Broken Arrow, OK.

Mike was born April 9, 1946 in Coffeyville, KS. to Lewis Samuel and Alpha Audrey (Eckler) Burdick.

He attended school and grew up in Ponca City, OK.

He is survived by his brothers, Lester Burdick, Bowring, OK.; Sam Burdick, Cushing, OK. and Dale Burdick, Ponca City, OK., as well as one sister, Iva Mae Pitts, Newkirk, OK.

His sons are Frank Burdick of Pawhuska, OK. and Kenneth Burdick of Ponca City, OK. He also has a step daughter, Marinda Sang-Douglas, Geuda Springs, KS.

He has four grandchildren, Nicole Bundt, Fort Worth, TX.; Jacey Sang, Udall, KS. and Tyler Sang and Caden Douglas of Geuda Springs, KS. His great grandchildren are Riley and Olivia Love with another girl on the way.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Frank Burdick and Roy and Nolan McGraw; sisters, Evelyn Burdick and Joyce Wright and great grandson, Owen Love.

Mike was a beloved father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend to many. He was always there when needed and a man of integrity that you knew you could count on. His lifelong friend, Keith Jefferies, can attest to that, they have shared many laughs and special moments throughout the years. They could always count on each other.

Mike could be gruff at times, but was also kind hearted and gentle. After meeting Nancy Sang in the late 70’s he stepped into a fatherly role to Marinda. It took some time for him to learn how to care for a small girl, but he had been a significant part of her life since then.

If he teased you or gave you a nickname you knew you were loved. (Mouse, Rat Tail and Pistol). His grandchildren were very near and dear to his heart and he would have given them the world if it were possible. In truth, they feel that he has! There was never a moment that they did not know how much their Pa Pa Mike loved and adored them.

He was a hard working man and a welder by trade. Mike traveled for and was employed by HMT Tonkawa Tank for 21 years and 7 months before he retired in 2010. He then was able to enjoy his quiet life near Hulah Lake and Dam. His oldest son, Frank, moved home to be near and help care for him when the time came. They were fortunate to build that special father / son bond with one another.

His love for motorcycles started at a young age and if you gave him a Harley to ride he was a happy man. We can see him now with his sunglasses, bandana and his beard blowing in the wind. He was an avid fisherman and enjoyed getting out on the boat to set a trot line or go noodling. He did catch a few whoppers in his lifetime! He stayed busy caring for his much loved Shih Tzus, Cupcake, Bill and Sissy.

Growing old near the lake was the perfect life for him and many wonderful memories will be treasured by his loved ones. Some of the Thanksgiving and 4th of July celebrations we shared were the most notable. The Burdick family gatherings may have gotten a little wild, but they were always filled with love and acceptance to all who joined in.

Each of us has our own special memories with Mike; some of you grew up together, some of you found each other and were in search of a new beginning, while some of you built bonds to last a lifetime. There was never a dull moment with Mike and each chapter of his life is unique and memorable. We will hold these memories close to our hearts to help fill the void his loss has created in our soul.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, December 1, 2016 at the Grace Memorial Chapel. Cremation will follow under the direction of the Grace Memorial Chapel in Ponca City. Friends may leave online condolences at www.gracememorialchapel.net.