Rodger Sam Burden, 77, of rural Wapakoneta, died at 11:25 a.m. May 1, 2009, at his residence.

He was born Oct. 28, 1931, in Springfield, to Leroy Ben and Lucille Combs Burden. On Oct. 28, 1972, he married Mary E. Miller, who survives.

Other survivors are four sons, Rodger Scott (Cynthia) Burden, Waynesfield, Paul Leroy (Lindsey) Burden, Toledo, Troy Leon Burden, Lima, and Robert Joseph (Deanna) Burden, St. Marys; a brother, Joseph M. (Patricia) Burden, Lima; three sisters, Mary Davis, Cridersville, and Joyce Brown and Janet Hagerman, both of Celina; a sister-in-law, Letta Burden, Lima; 15 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

Deceased are three brothers, Robert M., Richard and Jerry Burden; and three sisters, Hazel Beldon, Bea Cattill and Lillian Hughes.

He was a retired truck driver with Brown Supply Co., Lima, and also had worked at Fisher Cheese, Wapakoneta. A graduate of Lima South High School, he was a U.S. Air Force veteran. He also was a life member of the Wapakoneta Veterans of Foreign Wars, a race car driver and a mechanic.

Services are 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at Bayliff & Eley Funeral Home, Wapakoneta, the Rev. Dan Holbrook officiating. Burial is at Greenlawn Cemetery, Wapakoneta, where military rites will be conducted by the Wapakoneta VFW.

Calling is 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.

Contributions can be made to the Tri-County Visiting Nurses & Hospice.

Condolences can be sent at www.bayliffandeleyfh.com.