William Thomas Burdett

William "Bill" Thomas Burdett, age 81, passed away on September 15, 2026, in Dallas, Texas. He was born on August 3, 1945, in Richmond, Indiana, to William Caperton Burdett and Catherine Luella Burdett.

Bill graduated from Rosemead High School in California in 1963. He spent the majority of his working life as a Tool and Die Maker in industrial manufacturing, a career that eventually brought him and his family to Whitehouse, Texas. Bill was a hardworking man who took great pride in staying busy, working with his hands, and providing for the people he loved. He continued working until January 2026, when he received his cancer diagnosis. Sitting still was never something Bill enjoyed; he always seemed to find something to keep his hands and often his feet busy.

On August 14, 1964, Bill married the love of his life, Joan Lorraine "Joni" (Dinsmore) Burdett. Together, they shared more than 62 years of marriage and built a life and family they both cherished deeply.

Bill had a lifelong love of music. He especially enjoyed playing the guitar and singing old-school country and rock and roll, but he could also pick up and play other instruments. In his younger years, Bill was a member of a band, and during those days he was known by the nickname "Wild Bill." Music brought him immense joy and became one of the many ways he connected with those around him. He especially enjoyed sharing that love of music with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Family was at the center of Bill's life. He was deeply loving and protective of those he called his own and would do anything for them. His face would light up whenever he spoke about his two daughters, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and the generations of family that followed him. Some of his favorite memories were made simply by being together working on cars with his grandkids, gathering for family functions, and having everyone come together for holidays. Bill loved having his family around and took great pride in the life and family he and Joni had built together.

Bill also enjoyed staying active and liked to exercise. He kept up with current events, enjoyed watching Fox News, and was always ready to watch wrestling. These were simply some of the everyday things he enjoyed and that those closest to him will remember.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, William Caperton Burdett and Catherine Luella Burdett; his sisters, Mary Catherine Stamps and Elaine Sue Barr; and his brother, James Paul Burdett.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Joan Lorraine "Joni" (Dinsmore) Burdett; his daughters, Catherine "Cathy" DeVries and her husband, Sean, and DeAnna McNeil and her husband, Chad; his sisters, Shirley, Geneva, Francis, and Janet; his brother, David; 16 grandchildren; 34 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and numerous extended family members and friends who loved him dearly.

Bill's family extends far beyond names and numbers. His life can be seen in the generations that followed him and in the memories carried by those who knew and loved him. He will be remembered for his hardworking hands, his determination, his love of music, his protective heart, his devotion to his family, and the love he gave so freely to those around him.

Bill will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his family, his friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.