Obituary of Chester LaVerne Burden

Chester “Chip” LaVerne Burden Jr., 78, passed away January 29, 2024, with his wife by his side. Chester was born in Anchorage, Alaska to Chester LaVerne Burden Sr. and June Burl (Hecker) Burden on September 18, 1945. As a young man he served in the U.S. Navy and was in the Vietnam War. He lived and worked for several years in CA and retired from the Boeing Aircraft Co after working as an Aircraft Structure Mechanic and a Wing Tank Mechanic. He worked on engine pylons and was responsible for moving the first C-17 wing out of the production area to be installed on the fuselage of the first C-17 airplane. He was very proud of that. After retiring he finally settled in Kingman, AZ and has lived there for the past 20 years. He is survived by his wife Beverly of 40 years, his two biological children, son Sean (Christina) and daughter Debra, his stepsons; Roger, Edward (Michelle), William (Kendra), and stepdaughters; Gina (Gene), Nicole (Doug) and Teresa (Bobby). He adored his grandchildren; Angie, Tiffany, Destiny, Brandon, Bryant, Anthony, Kylie, Jaedon, Nevaeh, Sheana, Emma, Brooke, Sarah, Bobby Jr., Samantha, Erik, Tiffani, and Kyla as well as a host of great grandchildren with one on the way. Chip loved his family wholeheartedly. He was preceded in death by his mother and father, and three brothers: Larry, Bill, and Tim. Chester was a loving husband, father, and a dear friend to many. He had a love for life! He enjoyed working in his yard, playing with his pup Molly, fishing, target shooting, frequenting yard sales or swap meets and taking little trips to Laughlin with his honey. Chip always had a great attitude especially when wearing his cowboy gear. He was a proud American and believed in the 2nd Amendment “The Right to Bear Arms”. Some fond memories from his daughter Debra: My dad made it known how skilled he was when I was a little girl. He showed me how to shoot a gun. He showed me how to fish and ice fish. I have memories of him building Barns, fences, gazebos on our farm. He even created a swimming hole in part of the creek that was behind our cabin for us kids in Colville Washington. I remember riding on the back of his motorcycle all the way up to Big Bear from Garden Grove. I thought I was so lucky because all my siblings wanted to, but I got to. Lol He helped his dad build cabins for a Christian camp where many gave their lives to the Lord when he was just 15 years old. I loved hearing about his Alaska stories. His dad ministered at this camp and his mother cooked for everyone. My dad loved taking us to air shows to see all the different planes. He lit up talking about them. My dad was always there for me if I needed anything. When I had my first son, I was 15, he was so upset with me but never turned his back on me. He even took my son in when I needed help with him when he was 14. Anthony his grandson went to live with him for a while. When I moved to Tucson and had Jaedon, he'd come to spend time with him and show him how to race remote-controlled cars and how to properly handle a gun. Jaedon adored his grandfather. My dad cracked me up the way he cooked and meshed everything into one pot lol I knew then, I needed to take over. He loved my cooking. He loved westerns and Kenny Roger's. He loved to watch Sean wrestle in high school and mostly loved being out on the boat fishing. Per Chips wishes a Celebration of Life with family and friends will be held on March 9th at the VFW 10386 – 3036 John L. Ave., Kingman, AZ 86409 from 12pm - 4pm. Arrangements were placed in the care of Lietz-Fraze Funeral Home and Crematory. Thoughts and condolences may be submitted to the family at www.lietz-frazefuneralhome.com.