Wendell Fred Burden

Seminole resident, Wendell Burden, 79, passed away Sunday, September 21, 2025, in Seminole.

Wendell, the son of Bennie and Marie (House) Burden, was born February 3, 1946, in Poteau, Oklahoma. He was a man of many skills, but one of his greatest talents was carpentry. He was a master in his field and could build complex structures without even a blueprint. He knew all the tricks of the trade, and he was always willing to help others with their projects and share the knowledge he had gained. One of Wendell’s favorite things to do was to help people. He never shied away from lending a hand to anyone in need and would gladly give the shirt off his back to one who truly needed it. He loved to tell stories of his life’s adventures and found great satisfaction in bringing laughter to the moment with an occasional joke or two. Wendell bravely served his country in the United States Army. When he spoke of his military tours, it was evident that he was a man of great courage and compassion and that he loved the United States of America. Wendell’s love and care for his family was always at the forefront of his mind. He spared no expense in making sure they were provided for and knew that they were loved.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Bennie and Marie Burden; and by a sister, Margret Stone.

Wendell is survived by his wife, Nancy Russell, of Seminole; a son and daughter-in-law, Dan and Kathy Burden, of Pennsylvania; grandchildren, Ashley and Cliff Decker, of Ohio, and DJ and Kate Burden, of Ohio: brothers and sisters-in-law, Keith and Debbie Burden, of Locust Grove, OK., and Howard and Pam Burden, of Oklahoma City, OK.; sister and brother-in-law, Louise and Vernon Florence, of Edmond, OK.; his girl, Paige Brown; and many other family members and friends.

A graveside memorial service is scheduled for Wednesday, October 1, 2025, at 1:00 P.M. at Little Cemetery, in Seminole, with Keith Burden officiating. Cremation services are under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home in Seminole.