Richard Lee Burdell, Sr., 88, of Litchfield, died peacefully surrounded by loved ones on Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2026, at St. John’s Hospital in Springfield.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, Sept. 3, from 5 to 7 p.m, at Litchfield Family Funeral Service in Litchfield. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 4, at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Crabtree Cemetery in Litchfield. Litchfield Family Funeral Service in Litchfield is in charge of arrangements.
Mr. Burdell was born on Dec. 21, 1937, in Litchfield, a son of William Mose Burdell and Cassie (Frederick) Burdell. He attended school in Litchfield before entering the Navy. He married Vonda Groves on Aug. 1, 1959, in Litchfield. She preceded him in death on Jan. 12, 2025, after 65 loving years together.
After returning from his service in the Navy, he helped his dad do construction work. Later, he worked for the City of Litchfield in the street department, until his retirement. He was a man who worked hard and played hard too as the vice-president of the Crabtree Horseshoe Club. He enjoyed playing horseshoes and went to many state and world competitions. Besides playing horseshoes, he enjoyed fishing, hunting and riding his Harley.
Mr. Burdell is survived by his son, Richard Lee Burdell, Jr., of Litchfield; daughter, Kim Janway of Duncan, OK; niece, Shawn Barto of Litchfield; two grandchildren; sister, Barbara “Butch” Klekamp of Litchfield; brother, Raymond (Franny) Burdell; and several great-nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; siblings, Billie Jean Pesavento, Bobby Jordan, Betty Jordan, Charles Burdell, Freddie Burdell and Phillip Burdell; and brother-in-law, John Lee Klekamp.
Memorials may be made to the Litchfield High School Soccer Program.
Condolences may be left at www.litchfieldffs.com.
