Kenneth Burdett Long | 91 | Mozier
Kenneth Burdett Long of Mozier, IL passed away Thursday, June 29, 2023, at Blessing Hospital in Quincy at the age of 91.
He is survived by the love of his life, Shirley Ann (Saxbury) Long; two brothers, Vernon Long of Mexico, MO and Dale Long of Louisiana, MO; four children, Linda Handugan of Gilbert, AZ, Brenda Fields of Murfreesboro, TN, Steven Long of Elsberry, MO and Elizabeth Eaton of Ocean Park, WA; five grandchildren; five great grandchildren; and five great-great grandchildren.
Ken said his greatest achievement in life was his family. He served in the U.S. Air Force for 22 ½ years achieving the rank of Master Sergeant. He served in the Korean and Vietnam Wars earning the Bronze Star for Meritorious Service. He started his career as an airborne radio operator flying on B-17’s and B- 29’s in the 6204th Photo Mapping Flight where he photographed Korea, Taiwan and the Phillipines for topographical maps. Ken continued in radio operations and telecommunication systems during his career. After retiring from the Air Force, he worked in the Border Patrol for several years.
He and Shirley became entrepreneurs owning and operating several family style restaurants, three donut shops and a country store. Ken loved history, archeology and reading about space. He made friends wherever he went. Known as “Burdette” by family and friends, he was the family historian and was always full of funny stories, loving to see others laugh. He was respected for his kindness, his willingness to help others and his devotion to his wife, family and country. He often said he wandered the world for more than 70 years to end up where it all began, in “God’s Country,” Calhoun County, IL.
Funeral services will be held Friday, July 7, 2023, at 11 a.m. at the Lummis Funeral Home in Pleasant Hill. Burial, with military honors provided by the Scott Air Force Base Honor Guard, will follow at the Long Cemetery near Belleview. Visitation will be held Friday morning from 9 a.m. until the time of service at the funeral home.
Memorials may be made to the Long Cemetery.
Lummis Funeral Home in Pleasant Hill is handling the arrangements.
