In Memory Of
Bill Burnham
1936
2023
Bill Burnham
September 2, 1936 — June 16, 2023
William (Bill) J. Burnham, age 86, of Topeka KS, passed away Friday June 16, 2023.
He was born September 2, 1936, in Hutchinson KS, the son of Launcelot and Lydia (Ring) Burnham. Bill graduated from Hutchinson High School in 1954, he attended Hutchinson Junior College and The University of Kansas and eventually received a bachelor's degree from Columbia College, Columbia MO in 1973.
Bill enlisted in the Air Force in October 1958. In 1963, Bill started work for the Air National Guard located in Hutchinson KS. He was one of about 100 families (known as the "Hutch" bunch) that moved to Topeka in 1967 when the Guard moved to what was then know as Forbes Air Force Base. Bill retired at the rank of Chief Master Sergeant, NCOIC, CBPO after 30 years of service on December 31, 1992, with what is now known as the 190th Air Refueling Wing.
After retirement, Bill went to work for the Kansas Department of Commerce part time for the next 16 years before retiring full time. Bill loved a job that allowed him to work in the mornings and play golf in the afternoon.
In his spare time, Bill enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, playing golf and traveling. Bill continued to play golf up until a few weeks ago.
Bill married Carolyn (Burch) Burnham in 1959, in Hutchinson Kansas. Carolyn preceded him in death in 2015 along with his brother Dr. James Burnham in 2022. Survivors include his daughter Laura Burnham, son Larry Burnham, grandchildren, Amanda (Conner Killian) and Alexander, Topeka KS, and Alaina Lee of Denver CO. Also, his 3 great grandchildren, Finn, Malcom, and Will, and several nieces and nephews.
Bill will be cremated. A celebration of life party will be held from 5:00 to 7:00pm on Saturday, June 24, 2023 at the Lake Shawnee Golf Course Club House 4141 Southeast East Edge Road, Topeka, Kansas 66609.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the family with a destination to be determined at a later date.
To leave a message for his family online, please visit the guestbook below.
He was born September 2, 1936, in Hutchinson KS, the son of Launcelot and Lydia (Ring) Burnham. Bill graduated from Hutchinson High School in 1954, he attended Hutchinson Junior College and The University of Kansas and eventually received a bachelor's degree from Columbia College, Columbia MO in 1973.
Bill enlisted in the Air Force in October 1958. In 1963, Bill started work for the Air National Guard located in Hutchinson KS. He was one of about 100 families (known as the "Hutch" bunch) that moved to Topeka in 1967 when the Guard moved to what was then know as Forbes Air Force Base. Bill retired at the rank of Chief Master Sergeant, NCOIC, CBPO after 30 years of service on December 31, 1992, with what is now known as the 190th Air Refueling Wing.
After retirement, Bill went to work for the Kansas Department of Commerce part time for the next 16 years before retiring full time. Bill loved a job that allowed him to work in the mornings and play golf in the afternoon.
In his spare time, Bill enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, playing golf and traveling. Bill continued to play golf up until a few weeks ago.
Bill married Carolyn (Burch) Burnham in 1959, in Hutchinson Kansas. Carolyn preceded him in death in 2015 along with his brother Dr. James Burnham in 2022. Survivors include his daughter Laura Burnham, son Larry Burnham, grandchildren, Amanda (Conner Killian) and Alexander, Topeka KS, and Alaina Lee of Denver CO. Also, his 3 great grandchildren, Finn, Malcom, and Will, and several nieces and nephews.
Bill will be cremated. A celebration of life party will be held from 5:00 to 7:00pm on Saturday, June 24, 2023 at the Lake Shawnee Golf Course Club House 4141 Southeast East Edge Road, Topeka, Kansas 66609.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the family with a destination to be determined at a later date.
To leave a message for his family online, please visit the guestbook below.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Bill Burnham, please visit our flower store.
Service Schedule
Past Services
Visitation
Saturday, June 24, 2023
5:00 - 7:00 pm (Central time)
Guestbook
Visits: 2
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