Jess Robert Burdine

Jess Robert Burdine, 82, of Oak Harbor and a proud veteran, went home to be with the Lord on Memorial Day, May 30, 2016. Jess was the third child born to Vernie and Eunice (Harper) Burdine on September 7, 1933, in Somerset, Kentucky. At age four Jess and his family moved to Oak Harbor, Ohio, where he learned the value of hard work. In high school Jess excelled in various sports and also joined the U.S. Navy Reserve. After graduating from Oak Harbor High School in 1953, Jess served his country proudly in the U.S. Navy for four years. In June of 2014, he was overjoyed at having the opportunity to take part in the Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. and raved about the grateful expression of respect shown to him and his fellow servicemen. Jess and his father, Vernie, started a mason construction business, Burdine & Burdine, which later evolved into the partnership of Priesman, Burdine & Douglas, and were in business over two decades. He married his high school sweetheart, Mardella A. Gardner, on July 25, 1953. They were a team that built a full and successful life. This adventure included raising six children and establishing Burdine Rental Properties in 1974, which continues today. Jesss true passion was building design, construction and remodeling, including residential and commercial development. If he had something in his head, it went down his arm and down on paper and then onto the building. This zeal for construction was extended to many individuals throughout his life. Jesss love for his community has left a legacy for all who dare to follow in his footsteps-be kind, be honest and live your passion. Jess is preceded in death by his parents, Vernie and Eunice Burdine, his son, Craig Burdine, brother, Aulbert (Tilly) Burdine and sisters, Jerlolyn (Ernest) Grieger, Carolyn (Jim) Pridemore and infant sister, Lily. Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 63 years, Mardella; his children, Jeff (Marge) Burdine, Todd Burdine, Tab (Linda) Burdine, Laurie Burdine and Eric (Jennifer) Burdine; grandchildren, Seth, Jared, Olivia, Michael, Jennifer, Matthew, Joshua, Scott, Tim, Autumn, Sarah and Amanda; twelve great grandchildren; and brother, Alvin Burdine. Visitation will be 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Saturday, June 4, 2016, at the Robinson-Walker Funeral Home & Crematory, 165 E. Water St., Oak Harbor, with the funeral service to be conducted at 1:00 p.m. Interment will take place in Rusha Cemetery, Oak Harbor. In lieu of flowers, the family has suggested memorials for Jess to be given to Stein Hospice, 1200 N. Sycamore Line, Sandusky, OH 44870; or the donors choice.