Theodore Edward Burden age 88, a lifelong resident of Stanwood, passed away Wednesday, December 7, 2011 at his daughter's home in Lakeview. He was born on June 26, 1923 in Stanwood, the son of Walter and Beulah (Higginson) Burden. In 1944 Theo joined the Merchant Marines and served honorably for 7 years. On June 13, 1953 he married Margie Bateman, his wife of 52 years, until her passing on January 6, 2006. Theo was a dairy farmer for many years and later he worked as a carpenter in the Big Rapids and Stanwood areas. He enjoyed his gardening, fishing with his son-in-law and the company of his dog, Annie. He always liked reading a good Western. Theo is survived by his daughters, Patricia (Dean) Hyder and Rebecca Rousseau both of Lakeview; granddaughter Kristi of East Lansing and grandson Ken of Lakeview; brothers, Gordon (Helen) Burden of Stanwood and Bernard Burden of Bremerton, Washington; a sister Nada (Fred) Lovett of Tennessee; many nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife Margie, son David, brother Joseph, sister Dorothy and son-in-law Ron Rousseau. The family will greet friends 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Friday, December 9th at the Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home in Big Rapids. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Theodore's name to the Walton Erickson Public Library at the Morley-Stanwood High School.