William Burnham

William Arthur "Bill" Burnham age 85, of Perrinton, MI, passed away Friday, January 27, 2017 at Sparrow Health Systems Lansing, MI.

Funeral Services will be held at Pompeii United Methodist Church on Tuesday, January 31, 2017 at 11:00 AM., with Pastor Mona Dye officiating. Burial will take place at Fulton Center Cemetery, Perrinton, MI. Visitation will be held on Monday, January 30, 2017 from 2-8 P.M. with family present from 2-4 & 6-8 P.M. at Smith Family Funeral Homes Ithaca, MI.

Bill was born in St. Johns, MI on April 28, 1931, the son of Jeanne and Lyna (Gotham) Burnham. He graduated from St. Johns High School with the class of 1948. Bill married Rosella Plowman on October 7, 1950 in St. Johns, MI. Rosella passed away January 6, 1983.

Bill worked for many places including; farming in his younger years, Gower's Elevator in Eureka, Pompeii Crop Service, and Beck's Farm Market.  He spent 23 years as a Supervisor and Assessor at Fulton Township and spent a short time as an assessor at North Shade Township. He was a member of the Pompeii United Methodist Church and a life member of the Pompeii Odd Fellows and Rebecca's.  He was also a member and secretary of the Maple Valley Lions Club. Bill was a former boy scout leader in Gratiot county and 4-H leader in Clinton and Gratiot counties. Bill enjoyed playing cards, golfing, bowling, fishing, flowers, gardening, campfires, bible study, and cookouts on Saturday's with his family. Bill had a very large bell collection. He loved the time he spent with his family. His grandchildren and great grandchildren meant more than anything to him.

Bill is survived by his children; Elaine Burnham, Guy and Gretchen Burnham, grandchildren; Michaela Ann Burnham, Jeremy and Kaitlin Burnham, Esther and Joel Haviland, Heidi and Anthony Whitford, great grandchildren; Blake, William, Bridger, Bethanie, Ashton, Boden, and Violet and sister Barbara Anderson. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, two brothers, and five sisters.

Memorials may be made to Pompeii United Methodist Church or Maple Valley Lions Club. Online condolences can be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Ithaca, MI.