Bobby Joe Burnham

Bobby Joe Burnham, age 77 years, a resident of Vienna, passed away Thursday afternoon, January 28, 2016, at 4:13 PM at the Ray and Kay Eckstein Hospice Care Center in Paducah, Kentucky. Bobby was born June 13, 1938 in Metropolis, Illinois. He was the third of nine children born to Clarence and Lily (Williams) Burnham. On October 11, 1963, Bobby was united in marriage to Rose Rushing at Corinth, Mississippi. She survives. Other survivors include: 4 children – Virgil (Felicia) Burnham of Brookport, Phyllis (Mike) Lewis of Metropolis, Deborah (Don) Freeman of Indianapolis, Indiana, and Bobby (Angie) Burnham of the Round Knob community; 10 grandchildren – Brandon, Heather, Adam, David, Daniel, Randy, Phillip, Brandon, April, and Anthony; 2 “adopted” granddaughters – Nikki and Michelle; 12 great grandchildren – Trenton, Jordan, Ava, Drayten, Brooke, Lindsey, McKenzie, Bobby, T.J. Ethan, David & Emily; a sister – Mary Alice Baker of Grand Chain; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins, including his oldest and dear cousin, Billie Moore, along with her family who considered Bobby as their “grandpappy.” In addition to his parents, Bobby was preceded in death by: 2 grandsons – David Hart and Dustin Burnham; a granddaughter – Jennifer Burnham; 4 brothers – Charlie, Frankie, Edgar and Russell; and 3 sisters – Irene, Doris, and Dorothy. Bobby is fondly remembered by his family as a “jack-of-all-trades.” He had worked as a parking garage manager in Chicago. Later, Bobby was employed at the Indiana Girls School in Indianapolis as a security guard, maintenance technician and grounds man. He had also been employed as a station attendant by Jack Jones at Smallman’s Garage in Metropolis. Bobby had also worked as a farmer and had been employed by Westview Farms as well as working as a tree trimmer. Bobby attended the New Hope Baptist Church. He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting and fishing. A memorial gathering honoring the life of Bobby Joe Burnham will be conducted Saturday evening, February 27, 2016, at 6 PM at 104 Rock Street in Spillertown. There will be a benefit potluck meal with musical entertainment. For additional information, please call 618-993-3035. Memorials may be made to the Ray and Kay Eckstein Hospice Care Center (Lourdes Foundation), 1530 Lone Oak Road, Paducah, Kentucky 42003.

Bobby Joe Burnham

June 13, 1938 - January 28, 2016