KC Burson

KC, age 68, died Monday morning, May 7, 2017 at the Battle Creek Veterans Administration Medical Center-Hospice, after a courageous battle with lung cancer. KC, the son of Milton Terry and Doris Elaine (Williams) Burson, was born in Three Rivers, MI; was a lifetime area resident and 1968 graduate of Schoolcraft High School. He immediately enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, where he served during the Vietnam War as a Private First Class and was the recipient of a Purple Heart. KC had been employed for over 20 years as a sewer and water hook-up operator for the Scott W. Taylor Company of Galesburg, MI. He enjoyed fishing, watching football especially the Detroit Lions; was an avid fan of watching NASCAR and cheering on "The King" # 43, Richard Petty and "The Intimidator" # 3, Dale Earnhardt. KC was united in marriage to the former Nancy A. DeKam in Jackson, MI on August 10, 1975. Surviving are his wife of 42+ years, Nancy; his two daughters, Stacy (Andy) Helmboldt of Battle Creek and Autumn (Tommy) Dean of Vicksburg; three precious granddaughters, Taylor Burson, Grace and Libby Helmboldt; his step-children, Laurie (Tim) Leonard of Kalamazoo, MI, Cheri Puryear of Paw Paw, MI and Bill Puryear of Kirksville, MO; just as precious step-grandchildren, Alisha Queen, T.J. and William Leonard and Steve, Raymond and Jenavee Puryear; three sisters, Peggy (Tom) Baldwin and Marlene Burson, both of Lawton, MI and Terry (Richard) Burgess of Vicksburg; his sister-in-law, Pat Burson of Schoolcraft and many nieces and nephews. KC was preceded in death by his parents; his step-mother, Betty Burson; a sister, Louise Rhoda; a brother, Bob Burson and a step-brother, Mike Hess. KC's family will greet friends today, Thursday from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, Augusta Chapel, 307 N. Webster Street. The Funeral Service to celebrate KC's life will be held on Friday, May 11th at 10:00 a.m. at the Augusta Chapel with the Rev. Robert G. Muirhead, officiating. Interment will follow at 11:00 a.m. in Fort Custer National Cemetery, Augusta, with the United States Marine Corps Honor Guard and the Fort Custer Honor Guard, bestowing full, military honors. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in KC's honor may be directed to the Battle Creek Veterans Administration Medical Center-Hospice, 5500 Armstrong Road, Battle Creek, MI 49015 or West Michigan Cancer Center, 200 North Park Street, Kalamazoo, MI 49007. Personal messages and/or favorite memories of KC may be place at www.farleyestesdowdle.com