Theodore Melvin Burley, 95, of Fergus Falls, died April 18, 2019, at Lake Region Healthcare, Fergus Falls.
Theodore was born June 16, 1923, to Jay and Lydia (Claypool) Burley in Lida Township of Ottertail County. The family moved to Vergus where he attended school for a short time. At 14 years old, Theodore left home to join the CC Camps in Walker for two years. In 1940 he enlisted in the US Army, but was not accepted because of his hearing. He then signed into the State Guard for two years, during the war, in Duluth. He worked most of his life as a carpenter building homes and barns. He also worked for the railroad where he helped build some of the bridges in Fergus Falls.
He married Violet Galbreath in Fergus Falls. Theodore loved hunting and fishing.
He is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Violet Burley; sister, Lottie Zicker; brother, John Burley; sons, Patrick and Michael Burley; grandson, JaySon Kelm
Theodore is survived by, son, Theodore (Cathy) O. Burley of Kettle Falls, WA; daughter, Linda Burley (Mark Lee) of Fergus Falls; grandchildren, Theodore M. Burley, Annette Burley (Rob Robinson), Cheryl Kelm (Ryan) Plummer, Amy Burley, Michele (Shane) Shepherd, Alaina Burley, Sophie Burley, and many great-grandchildren; sister, Marion (Dan) Zent of Big Horn, WY; and many nieces and nephews.
Per Theodore's request no service will be held.