William Henry "Bill" Burnham, Sr.

William Henry Burnham, Sr. of Caro, age 87, passed away on Sunday, March 10, 2019 at the Tuscola County Medical Care Community in Caro, following a lingering illness. Bill was born September 20, 1931 in Caro, the son of the late Daniel A. Burnham and Nancy Jane (Smith) Burnham-Hendra. Bill served his country with the U.S. Army from 1951 to 1955 during the Korean War. He was united in marriage with the former Gladys Davis on June 15, 1951 in Caro. Gladys preceded him in death on May 20, 1992. Bill was employed as a fork lift driver for Michigan Sugar, retiring in 1992. He was very particular about his lawn and enjoyed swimming with his family and watching old westerns. Bill was also proud to be the patriarch of a five generation family. He is survived by ten children and their spouses, William J. Burnham of Mayville, Mary & Michael North of Vassar, Betty & Jerry Brief of Mayville, Dorothy Brown of Ubly, James & Mary Burnham of Akron, Daniel & Rose Burnham of Mayville, Robert Burnham of Mayville, Larry Burnham of Vassar, Rose Clouse of Gagetown, Rickie Burnham of Caro; daughter-in-law, Debra Burnham; twenty-three grandchildren; fifty great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents and wife, Bill was preceded in death by four children, Judy, John Edna and Jerry; three grandchildren, Jeffrey Burnham, Michael Burnham, Jr. and Timothy Clouse; one great-grandson, Bill Burnham, Jr.; two brothers, James and Albert; two sisters, Mary Decker and Matilda Vennevy; and son-in-law, Michael Brown. In keeping with Bill's wishes, cremation has taken place. Burial will be at a later date at the Almer Township Cemetery in Caro. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorial contributions to the American Heart Association or the American Cancer Society. The family was assisted with these arrangements by the Ransford Collon Funeral Home of Caro. Friends may share memories, thoughts and prayers online at www.RansfordCollon.com.