Obituary of Fred Burden

Ronald Frederick “Fred” Burden, 86, of Simpsonville, SC, husband of Judy Ann Fesperman Burden for 33 years, went to be with the Lord, after an extended illness, on Thursday, October 14, 2021. Mr. Burden was born in Wapakoneta, Ohio to the late Venerd A. Burden and Grace Rose Burden. He was also preceded in death by his first wife, Joy Bush Burden, and a dear brother-in-law, Bill Mouser. Upon graduation from high school, he received the honor of an appointment to attend Annapolis Naval Academy; however, he chose to attend the University of Dayton, where he graduated with a degree in chemical engineering. Fred worked for many years with Union Carbide in both New York and Ohio, and he was able to travel the world and see many places throughout his career. After retiring, Fred actively pursued his favorite hobbies of golf and woodworking. He was also an avid reader and visited the library frequently to check out new books, including those by his favorite novelist, Tom Clancy. He and Judy enjoyed traveling, and they developed a love for the island of Bermuda, where they vacationed numerous times. He was a member of Brookwood Community Church, and a past member of Albemarle Rotary Club, Albemarle Historic Properties Committee, and past president of Greenville Civitan Club. Surviving, in addition to his wife, are his daughters, Anne Ely, Linda Hall (Jack), Susan Gulley (Mike), and a son, Ronald Frederick Burden, Jr. He is also survived by his stepdaughters, Stephanie Baker (Jeff) and Melissa Fowler (Craig). Fred was the beloved brother of Connie Russell (John); Jack Burden (Jean), and Mary Lynne Mouser. He was the adored grandfather of ten exceptional grandchildren: Ken (Kristin) Ely, Dan Ely, Tony Ely, Christy Ely Javers (Jason), Meghan Hall Gora (Brett), Dr. David Hall (Beth), Christopher Gulley, Sean Gulley, Lucas Burden, and Sydney Fowler. He is also survived by four great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. A Celebration of Fred’s Life will be held at 3 o’clock in the afternoon on Monday, October 18, at Fletcher Funeral Service, officiated by Pastor Rex Keaton. Burial will follow in Cannon Memorial Park. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Kayla, Jason, Chase, Jonathan and Keri of Kindred Hospice, and to Stella, Sierra, Angel, Donna and Marcia of Healing Touches Home Care, for their compassionate care rendered to Fred and his family during his final days at home. Memorials may be made to Kindred Hospice, 15 Brendan Way, Greenville, SC 29615.