Harold Burdue, 80, served in the Army Air Corp

He was born June 4, 1922 in Rochester, OH where he was raised, and graduated from Brighton High School, Brighton, OH. He had been a resident of South Amherst for 48 years.

He served in the Army Air Corp from 1942 to 1946 with the 421st Night Flighter Squadron. He flew in the P-61 "Black Widow" night flighter in the Pacific Theater and had the honor of flying with Col. Charles A. Lindberg. Mr. Burdue was awarded the Asiatic-Pacific Theater Medal with 8 Bronze Stars, the Philippine Liberation Ribbon, the World War II Victory Medal, the Good Conduct Medal and he also received the Presidential Unit Citation.

He as employed at Ridge Tool Co. in Elyria for 37 years, retiring in 1985 as an engineer from the Engineering Department.

He was a member of the St. John United Church of Christ, South Amherst where he served on the Church Council and as an Elder. He was a life member and Past Commander of the South Amherst American Legion Post 197; a life member of the World War II Night Flighter Association; and a life member of the Rochester Historical Society.

He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren; attending the Night Flighter Reunions covering the United States; collecting old milk bottles, taking pictures and driving around the country.

Survivors include his wife of fifty-four years Mary (nee Butler); his son, Dennis Burdue of South Amherst; his daughter Mrs. Kim (Diane) Mulder of Amherst; four grandchildren; and his sister Leah Cook of Oberlin.

He was preceded in death by his parents Lynn Forest and Mary C. (nee Phillips) Burdue.

Friends may call Thursday 2-4 and 7-9 at the Hemple Funeral Home, 373 Cleveland Ave., Amherst where the South Amherst American Legion Post #197 will conduct a service at 7:00 p.m. Funeral services with full military honors by the Amherst Veterans Military Honor Guard will be held Friday at 11:00 a.m. from St. John United Church of Christ; 416 Leonard St., South Amherst. The Rev. Paul Eaton, pastor, will officiate. Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery, South Amherst.

The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to St. John United Church of Christ; 416 Leonard St., South Amherst 44001.