L. Eugene Pete Burden, sixty-eight, departed this life December 9, 2008. Pete was born October 14, 1940, to Lexie and Opal Burden in Ryan, Oklahoma. Pete graduated from Ryan High School and attended Central State University in Edmond, Oklahoma, and Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls, Texas. Upon graduation he joined the U. S. Marines where he served six years active duty and two years in the Marine Reserves. Pete began his professional career with the Wichita Falls Police Department and served for eight years followed by a period of time as a Private Investigator. Later he worked for the Criminal Justice Department for the State of Texas where he retired as Director in 2001, after twenty-seven years.

Pete was an avid golfer and will be missed by all who knew him, especially his golfing buddies at Willow Creek Golf Course. Those who knew Pete will tell you he was the kindest and most gentle soul that they ever met.

Pete is survived by: his loving wife Linda, his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, one sister Diane Roberts and her husband Charles of Burkburnett, TX, two brothers Teddy Burden and his wife Mary of Wilson, OK, and Harold Burden and his wife Naomi of Ryan, OK.

Funeral services for Mr. Burden will be at 2:00 PM, Friday, December 12, 2008, at the Ryan United Methodist Church with Scott Ketchum officiating. Burial will be in the Ryan Cemetery under the direction of Dudley Funeral Home of Ryan. Visitation will be Friday from 10:00 AM to 12:00 noon at the Funeral Home Chapel in Ryan.