Burdette L. Thompson, 78 of Des Moines, passed away Sunday, May 31, 2015 at Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines, IA. Burdette Lee Thompson was born October 15, 1936 in Lucas county near Russell , Iowa to Merwyn L. Thompson and Leona M. (Gilbert) Thompson. Burdette started his school days at Victory School, the same country school his Father and Grandfather Thompson attended. During the third grade his family moved to a farm west of Russell, IA and attended the Russell, IA schools. Burdette graduated from Russell High School in 1955. During high school he was active in music, played the trumpet and participated in many activities. He belonged to Lucas County 4-H and showed dairy cows winning many awards.
He became a member of the Russell Methodist Church in April 1950. Always active in the church, he taught Sunday school classes and played piano for the church. He enjoyed playing his trumpet in the Russell Marching band and the Town band. He was first encouraged to start playing in the band by his great uncle. He played with the band even after returning from college.
Burdette attended Iowa Wesleyan College. He returned to Lucas County and was active in many organizations, such as the Young Republicans and the Methodist Church activities. He moved to Chariton in 1958 and was employed by the J.C. Penney Co. Burdette was a member of the Chariton Jaycees, Chariton Masonic lodge #63 and belonged to the York Rite Bodies and the Za-Ga-Zig Shrine. He played the organ for many Masonic activities. Burdette then joined the P.M. Place stores to become a manager and moved to Centerville for a short time and then on to Ft. Madison before moving to Des Moines in January 1963. He worked for the P.M. Place Co. until 1965 managing their stores. Then he was employed by Zenith, 7-11 Corporations, City of Des Moines as a Trainer for the central Parking systems. In the 80’s he owned and operated Burdette’s Old Market and Grocery. He was always a retail manager, employing and training many people in sales.
Burdette participated in many organizations after moving to Des Moines. He became a member of the Grace Methodist Church and the Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barbershop Quartet singing in America Inc. Burdette sang with the Des Moines chorus for over 25 years. He served as president of all chapters in the State of Iowa for over five years, and then served as Vice President of the organization in the seven state area of the Central States. He traveled as an officer, but found time to be the producer of their show at KRNT Theater for over ten years.
He served for many years as a member of the Special Events Committee of the Iowa State Fair. He was master of ceremonies welcoming many musical groups and performers to the stage at the Bill Riley Talent Show. Burdette has enjoyed genealogy as a hobby for 50 years. In 1964, he was one of the 15 charter members in Iowa who founded the Iowa State Genealogical Society serving as the Vice President. He traveled extensively searching for his family heritage in several states and libraries before the use of the Internet. In the Lucas County section he has donated many articles of the Lucas County families.
Burdette enjoyed people and kept in contact with many people across the country. He enjoyed music and teaching country line dancing throughout the Midwest. He had a great love for American history, especially about Iowa.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents and parents, uncle Lester Gilbert of Colorado; aunt Marjorie Gilbert of Colorado; uncle Carl Post of Houstonm and uncle Cleo Thompson (Wilma) of Chariton, IA.
Burdette is survived by his brother Dwight M Thompson and wife Helen of Chariton, IA, sister Lois A. Reynolds and husband George of Centerville, IA. Nephews and Nieces, Michael Thompson and wife Laura of Oak Park , IL, Emma and Cecilia Thompson; Brenda (Thompson) Nuckles and Husband Jeff of White Sands Missile Range, NM; Chelsea Stonehouse, Courtney Stonehouse and Jordan Nuckles; Teresa (Thompson) Quick of Des Moines, IA, Mackenzie, Olivia and Emily Quick; Shirley (Reynolds) Sloan and husband Don of Kansas City, MO; Richard Reynolds and wife Amanda of Centerville, IA and Jared Reynolds; Aunt Thelma Post of Houston, TX; cousins Beth Hammack (Jim) of Oklahoma City, OK; Kathleen Gilbert Macmillian (Stuart) of Denver, CO and Kent Gilbert (Beth) of Castle Rock, CO; Eva Decker of Chariton, IA; Jim Thompson of Illinois and many other cousins.
Burdette never knew a stranger and was always thinking of others. He gave from the heart to all his family and friends. He loved his family dearly and loved family gatherings and sharing wonderful memories of family history. He will always be with us in heart! We love you!
