Johnnie W. Burford Jr., 66, of Leavenworth, died Monday, April 20, 2020, at St. Luke’s Cushing Hospital, after a long battle with several debilitating illnesses.
He is survived by his wife, Jennifer; son, Joseph Burford;, stepson Ethan Dalton; and grandson, Zeno Thomas.
Johnnie was medically retired from the U.S. Army in 1997 following 18 years of patriotic military service to his country. He served as an Air Defense artilleryman, earning the Army Commendation Medal (6 awards), Army Achievement Medal (6), Good Conduct Medal (4), National Defense Service Medal (2), NCO Professional Development Medal (2), Army Service Ribbon/Overseas Service Ribbon (2) and Republic of Korea Ranger Badge.
An avid outdoorsman and expert archer, he was also a talented carpenter and dog whisperer. Johnnie was proud of his native American roots in the Cherokee and Navajo nations and lived life on his own terms. A dedicated husband, father and loyal friend, he will be greatly missed.
A graveside service with military honors will be Thursday, June 11, 2020 at Leavenworth National Cemetery.