Robert D. Burdette

A Life Well Lived

Robert D. Burdette (Dr. Bob) died Thursday, August 30, in Santa Fe, New Mexico after a short illness. He would have celebrated his 82nd birthday on September 20. Bob and his wife, Kay, retired to Santa Fe in the fall of 2000 and built their home in Eldorado. He thoroughly enjoyed the challenges and joys of new friends and new activities. Tennis and golf were his year-round Santa Fe activities, while finding a church home at St. John’s United Methodist Church where he served on the Board of Trustees. Bob and Kay recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary.

Dr. Burdette graduated from Case Western Reserve University and Northwestern University School of Medicine. He served as Chief Resident at Detroit Children’s Hospital, served in the military as a physician at Richards-Gebaur Air Force Base, and received a National Institute of Health fellowship at the University of Wisconsin Hospitals. Subsequently, he practiced child and adult neurology for many years at Akron Children’s Hospital and Medina General Hospital.

Bob was pre-deceased by his mother, Virgina Shea Burdette, his father, Dana N. Burdette, and his brother, John R. Burdette. He is survived by his brother, David Burdette of Chicago, loving wife of 60 years, Kay, as well as their three children, Susan Burdette of Santa Fe, Scott Burdette (Lisa Burdette) of Oceanside, CA, and Douglas Burdette (Julie Burdette) of Santa Barbara, CA; as well as five grandchildren, Max, Samantha, Jordan, Anne, and Leah.

Family and friends will gather at a later date for a celebration of Bob’s life. The family requests that a donation to the Santa Fe Botanical Garden would be appreciated in lieu of flowers.

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