Obituary of Richard Calvin Burman

  Richard Calvin Burman, 88, passed away Wednesday, March 13, 2024 at the State Veterans Home in Boise, Idaho from lung cancer.  Richard (Dick) was born February 13, 1936 at home in the Franklin Community east of Caldwell, Idaho.  His parents were Oneta Nowland and Wesley Leroy Burman.  He was the 5^th child, joining brothers Denis, Don, Glen and sister Arlene. Later his little sister Mary Jane would join the family.

  In 1941, his parents purchased their farm in rural Owyhee County.  The family moved, home and all, to near Jump Creek where they farmed for over 70 years.  Dick grew up on the farm and attended Marsing Schools and church in the Marsing LDS Ward.  Dick left school before graduating and worked on the farm.  He joined the Homedale unit of the National Guard in 1954 and then joined the US Army in 1956 at the age of 20.  He then got his GED, while in the Army. He would serve over 20 years in the Army, serving in many stations in the States, 3 tours in Germany, and a tour in Vietnam during the Vietnam War.  He was wounded twice, receiving a Purple Heart, while in Vietnam.  He also received a National Defense Service Medal, a Vietnam Campaign Medal, a Vietnam Service Medal w/6 Bronze Stars, a Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, and an Army Commendation Medal for Valor. He also had his Mechanic’s Badge. Dick finished his service at Fort Carson in Colorado Springs. 

  While at Fort Carson, he attended El Paso Community College where he took Auto Mechanic Courses, which would become his next career.  Upon retiring from the Army, Dick made his home on the family farm.  He began a career in auto mechanics working for a car dealership, working 10 years as a mechanic for Simplot’s Feed Lot in Caldwell and 1 year for Valley Air Service. He had his own auto repair shop in Marsing for a few years. Dick also enjoyed restoring old cars.  He restored a 1955 GMC Pickup, which he then donated to the VFW.  This gold pickup has led many an area parade decked in flags and veterans.

  Upon retiring from auto mechanics, Dick became very involved in civic service.  He was part of Triad for Owyhee County for 10 years, serving 1 year as President and spending countless hours paroling in conjunction with the Owyhee County Sheriff’s office. He served 3 years as Vice President for the Senior Center. Dick was a member of the Marsing Lion’s club. As a member of the American Legion he served as Adjunct for 3 years. Dick spent many years in service to the VFW Post in Wilder.  He served as Quartermaster for 16 years, 1 year as Commander and was active in District VFW functions.  Dick was instrumental in raising funds for the Wilder VFW Post.

  Dick spent his vacations with family camping, fishing, and traveling, and going to family reunions. He enjoyed reading and puzzles, playing dominoes, playing bingo in Marsing and dinners with the Senior Citizens.

  Dick had many health problems through his life leaving him with hearing and vision problems and later in life suffering illnesses deemed associated with Agent Orange.  Last April Dick moved from his home on Jump Creek to the State Veterans home in Boise where he was well cared for.

  Dick is survived by two cousins Barbara Durr and Shirley Mamerow; A Sister-in law Mary Burman Huls; Nieces and Nephews Jane Webb, Wesley Burman, Richard Percy, Becky Blake, Michael Percy, Arlene Haugse, Kris Korfanta, and Ed Burman and their families and many friends.  A special thank you to Arlene and Steve Haugse who were Uncle Dick’s angels during the last few years.

Services will be Monday, March 25, 2024 with the visitation from 10am – 12pm at Flahiff Funeral Chapel in Caldwell.  Graveside Services will follow at 1pm at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens.

  Memorials may be given to the Wilder VFW Post.