Dr. Harold F. Burdette M.D.

Thursday, October 15, 2009

Dr. Harold F. Burdette M.D., 92, died Monday, Oct. 12, 2009 after a brief illness.

He was born on a farm in Putnam County and attended a one-room school. Being a good student, he earned a scholarship to attend Indiana University. After graduation in 1939, he went on to the I.U. School of Medicine and graduated in 1942. He then became a resident in internal medicine. During this time, he became chief resident and was the first medical director of education at Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis.

In 1948, Dr. Burdette joined Dr. Joseph Walther in a medical practice in Indianapolis and later helped found the Walther Cancer Institute.

He is survived by his daughter, Marilynn Vaughn and husband Dr. David Vaughn; one granddaughter, Laura Kane Standard and husband Dr. Scott Standard of Nashville, Tenn.; three great-grandsons, Crawford, Logan and Jack; one grandson, Brian David Vaughn and wife Katy; niece Darla Thornton and husband Doug; and nephew Kim Burdette and wife Beverly.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Vera Burdette; brother John Burdette; and his wife Mabel.

Dr. Burdette spent his life supporting the ideal that cancer prevention is a great need from which all benefit. He worked diligently with the Behavioral Research Program at the Indiana University School of Nursing to further patient education and health.

He was a 50-year member of Meridian Street Methodist Church in Indianapolis and a life member of the Masonic Lodge. In the spring of this year, he received a resolution from the Indiana State Legislature for his efforts in supporting behavioral research for oncology patients at the I.U. School of Nursing.

He will be greatly missed by his family and friends and will always be remembered for in indomitable spirit.

Calling will be at 2 p.m. Friday with the funeral following at 3 p.m. at Pearson-Ratterman Funeral Home, 12900 Shelbyville Rd., Louisville, Ky. Burial will be Saturday at noon near his boyhood home in Indiana.

In lieu of flowers, expressions of celebration and remembrance may be made to the Indiana Medical Scholarship Fund, the I.U. School of Nursing Behavioral Research Program, Hosparus of Louisville or the donor's favorite charity.