William "Bill" Burford

June 8, 1929 - September 11, 2020

William E. “Bill” Burford, 91, passed away on Friday, September 11, 2020 at St. Anne Home & Retirement Community, Fort Wayne. Born in Delaware County, Indiana, he was the son of the late William “Ellis” and Mildred Evelyn (Kirklin) Burford. Bill attended the New Haven United Methodist Church, New Haven where he had been involved in various committees and activities. He proudly served his country during the Korean War in the US Navy. Bill was a local piano instructor for 65 years. He attended the St. Louis Institute of Music and was a member of the National Guild of Piano Teachers. He also was a past member of the Masonic Lodge. Bill enjoyed oil painting, tending his flower garden, and telling a joke or two. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Dorothy (Butler) Burford; Children, Laura (Rick) Claypool of New Haven, Kathleen (Lew) Thatcher of Stowe, VT, and Donald (Shannon) Burford of New Haven; 6 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. He was also preceded in death by his siblings, Wynne Burford and Mary Jo Wilson. Funeral service is 2 p.m. Friday, September 18, 2020 at New Haven United Methodist Church, 630 Lincoln Hwy E., New Haven. Pastor Chuck Fenwick. Visitation is 3 to 7 pm Thursday at Harper’s Community Funeral Home, 740 State Road 930 East, New Haven. Mask required at both events. Burial with military honors in IOOF Cemetery, New Haven. Please help celebrate Bill’s life by wearing bright colors at the service. Preferred memorials to the church. Arrangements to Harper’s Community Funeral Home, 740 St. Rd. 930 E., New Haven.