Thomas E. Burdge

Thomas E. Burdge, AKA Popeye, started his new everlasting life on Saturday November 10, 2012. In Toms very words, Dont cry for me, Im the lucky one. I get to go home. I didnt fight cancer for the past year. I lived my life to the fullest and enjoyed every day God gave me. Im going to see my daughter, Jennifer. My Mom and Dad will be there to greet me, and I can finally find out if Dad has been doing any farming in Heaven. Ill now have the time to chum around with my buddy Jack Wagner and see how much trouble hes gotten into. The hardest part of leaving is saying goodbye, after that it should be smooth sailing. If you want to see me again, accept Gods plan of salvation, its the only way to enter into the gates of Heaven. I want every one of my family and friends there, so please dont let me down, its going to be so great. Tom was born into the family of Ross and Betty Burdge on May 23, 1955, in the front yard by his Grammi and a passing truck driver, one of eight siblings: Melody Jan Dufendock, Sherry Randy Schling, Brenda John Giles, Debbie Keith Riffle, Tami Kontak Jeff Andrews, Ross Burdge Trudie Harris and Patrick Jackie Burdge. On June 21, 1974, he married his childhood sweetheart, Brenda Reffitt, and we had three children: Jennifer Mike Clark, Heather Robert Johnson and Thomas Mercedes Burdge. They blessed us with six grandchildren: Michael Jayce Clark, Devin Mackenzie Johnson and Vedah Brenna Burdge. Other special family members include father and mother-in-law, Glen Rushia Reffitt, brother and sister-in-law, Rod Charlene Reffitt, treasured Uncle Wayne and Aunt Luette Burdge and many other special nieces, nephews and cousins. Our Christian brothers and sisters of Foundation Stone Church are so much a part of our family. Tom had a very tight relationship with his brothers and sisters at Jeep. Over the 29 years he had a bond with his fellow workers that has carried over into our personal life. They went far beyond to do everything they could to help Tom and to honor him after his retirement due to his illness. A special thank-you to Anna and Chris at Annas Restaurant for being a part of our Wednesday breakfasts. You made his last birthday on this earth very special. In the past Tom worked at Chrysler Jeep, Interlake Iron, the Ship Yards and the railroad; but his highest achievements are measured in his love for his God, family and friends. Those are the things he is most proud of. Today Heaven received a true and faithful son. Showing and funeral will be held at Foundation Stone Christian Church, 4532 Woodville Rd., Northwood, OH 43619, Thursday, November 15, 2012; 9:00 a.m. for family and 10:00 a.m. till 5:00 p.m. for friends. The service will be at 5:00 p.m. and dinner following. Tom has requested casual dress only. In lieu of flowers, please consider the family or our food pantry at church. The Robinson-Walker Funeral Home Crematory, 501 West St., Genoa, OH 43430, has assisted the family with arrangements.