William Eugene Burdick, age 92, of Willard, Missouri, passed away on February 22, 2026, at Cox Medical Center South. William was born to William T Burdick and Helen Lowe on July 18, 1933 in Springfield, MO. William attended schools in Springfield and only a few days after he turned 20 enlisted with the United States Army in 1953. William remained in the Army until he was honorably discharged in 1955, having received the National Defense Service Medal and the Army Occupation Medal for his service in Germany. While enlisted, he found the love of his life and was united in marriage to Helga Burdick on March 1, 1955 in Battenburg, Germany. William and Helga were blessed with 3 children and shared over 60 years of marriage before Helga’s untimely passing on May 18, 2015.

Over the course of his career William was employed by working as a mason, in cabinetry, as a police dog trainer, and grocery store owner. For the last 44 years of his life, William was the proud owner and employee of his own custom cabinet shop, Bill’s Custom Woodworks. William was able to build a legacy through his craftsmanship and had many employees he loved dearly that returned his devotion by staying with him and his shop through the years. When not working he had many interests and pastimes including fishing, traveling and spending time with family. William was community oriented and aimed to help as many as he could, including being a member of the board with the Willard Fire Department, Chamber of Commerce and a VFW commander. William will be remembered as a loving husband, father, and grandfather (Opa). He was often described by others as kind, patient, and someone to follow in the foot-steps of. William leaves behind a legacy of love, knowledge and lessons that will shape all future generations.

William was preceded in death by his spouse, Helga Burdick; father, William Burdick; mother, Helen Lowe. He is survived by his daughter Gabriele Eva (Steve) Barber, William A Burdick, Michael E (Tammy) Burdick, granddaughters: Amanda (Ben) Brown, Micah Burdick, Trinity Burdick; grandsons: Christopher and Greg (Trisha) Poe; great-grandchildren: Sierra and Marissa Poe, Cooper and Hazen Brown, and Wrenley Plyter. Also survived by a dear friend who became like a son, Norman Phillips and his son Reyne Phillips.

A visitation for William will be held on Friday, February 27, 2026, at 5:00 PM, at Greenlawn Funeral Home North in Springfield, Missouri. A Funeral Service for William will be held on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at 10:00 AM at Greenlawn Funeral Home North with a burial to follow at Wesley Cemetery Willard located at 7005 State Route Z, Willard, MO 65781

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made in William’s memory to Willard Children’s Charitable Foundation (WCCF) at Freedom Bank in Willard, MO.