Burdette Harvey Werts, son of Harvey Roger and Artie Olive (Lewis) Werts, was born on January 16, 1927, in Russell, IA. He passed away on March 28, 2022, at Corydon Specialty Care in Corydon, IA at the age of 95.
His family lived in Imperial, NE for 4 years from 1928 to 1932, before returning to Russell. He graduated from Russell High School in 1944. He then served in the Navy from 1945 to 1946. He married Lois LuVina LaFavre on June 20, 1948, at A Little Bit O’ Heaven in Davenport, IA. Together, they had one son, Brent Lee, born on June 1, 1954. Burdette’s adult life was spent farming. He started with his father in Lucas County, establishing their own farm in 1959 in Wayne County. Brent joined him in farming in 1975, and Burdette later shared the work with his grandsons and great-grandsons.
Over the years, Burdette served as a Union Township trustee, Wayne County FHA Board member, and was a faithful member of Millerton United Methodist Church. Burdette and Lois enjoyed attending Rathbun Country Music Theater for 35 years. They also spent 27 years wintering in Edinburg, TX, at Citrus Mobile Park. He enjoyed reading and watching Western Movies as well as joining friends for coffee at least once if not twice most days. In 2017 he moved to Homestead Assisted Living in Chariton.
He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law Brent and Judy Werts of Chariton, IA; four grandchildren: Jana (Ryan) Rogness of Urbandale, IA, Brad (Bridget) Werts of Corydon, IA, Jayma (James) Sims of Burlington, IA, and Brian (Lauren) Werts of Urbandale, IA; eight great-grandchildren: Evan and Leona Rogness; Bryant and Braden Werts; Juliana, Jenessa, and Joella Sims; and Veronica "Ronnie" Werts; sisters-in-law Charlotte Werts of Fremont, NE and Deloris Werts of Russell; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Burdette is preceded in death by Lois, his loving wife of 66 years; his parents; in-laws Trace and Ethel LaFavre; sister Wilma and husband William Strait; brothers Dean and wife Ruth, Roger, and Dale; and sister-in-law Evelyn and husband Russell Mikesell.
