May 29, 1923 - Nov. 30, 2013

McCOOK, Nebraska -- On Nov. 30, 2013, Burdell Thurston, 90 years old, passed away at the Silverado Senior Living and Rehabilitation Center in Arvada, Colorado, which had been his home since March of this year and where he was a member of its Founders' Club.

He was born May 29, 1923, to Lee Orin and Eva Thurston. Burdell's main interest was music, and at the age of 13 he started playing in his uncle's orchestra. During World War II, he was in the Air Force for six months before being transferred to the 25th Infantry where he was sent to the South Pacific.

After the war, he returned to McCook and worked at Moore's Food Store, Drake Oil Co, Stickney's Inc. in McCook and in Scottsbluff, Schamel's NAPA Auto Supply, and Carpenter Breland Funeral Home. Burdell continued to play saxophone and clarinet in numerous modern-swing bands as well as starting his own band. He played in the McCook Maverick Band until the age of 87. He was also a lifetime member of the Elks, Masons, and the VFW.

Burdell is survived by a large family who enjoyed his dry sense of humor and loved him very much.

Memorials may be given in his name. There will not be a public visitation. Friends may go online at www.carpenterbreland.com to extend condolences to the family.

A graveside service with military honors will be held on Monday, Dec. 9, 2013, 11 a.m. at Memorial Park Cemetery with Jerry Beckenhauer officiating. Please dress accordingly for the weather.

Carpenter Breland Funeral Home of McCook is in charge of the arrangements.