Bradford "Brad" Burnham

Bradford “Brad” Burnham passed away on Thursday, July 23, 2015 with his loving family and dear friends by his side. Brad demonstrated unwavering courage and determination during his battle with cancer and the love he had for those around him reflected his true inner beauty.

A memorial service is scheduled for Saturday, August 1, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at the Liberty Baptist Church in Newton, Texas, with the Rev. Napoleon Shaw, Jr. officiating and delivering the eulogy.
Brad, 40, was born April 8, 1975 in Merryville, Louisiana, to Mr. Grover and Mrs. Ethel Burnham. The youngest of seven, having three sisters and three brothers, he was quick to remind his family that he was the baby, being born more than an hour after his twin brother. Extremely talented from childhood, he attended Newton Elementary School and graduated from Newton High School in May of 1993. Brad joined the U.S. Marine Corps in January 1994 and was proud to serve his country for four and a half years, earning the rank of Corporal E-4 and obtaining an honorable discharge. As a Marine he traveled the world and enjoyed sharing stories of his journey with those around him. Upon his return, Brad began an extensive career as a chef, working off-shore on oil rigs off the Texas and Louisiana coast, serving the most delightful meals to his crew. After ten years of service, Brad decided to continue his travels and for the last five years he toured the nation behind the wheel of his tractor trailer truck as an owner-operator. While driving took him away from the kitchen on a daily basis, he never missed the opportunity to prepare a special dinner for his family and friends. Brad loved cooking and his family enjoyed his many delicacies. Just weeks before his passing, he instructed his sisters on the proper way to prepare some of his favorite dishes. At his bedside, family and friends discussed their final family gathering, which centered around a large gourmet meal; the menu designed by Brad.

Brad was brought up in church and during his adolescent years was a member of the Liberty Baptist Church in Newton, Texas. As an adult living in Lufkin, Brad attended First Missionary Baptist Church where he was spiritually uplifted by the message of his Pastor and the fellowship of his close friends.

Brad will be remembered as an encourager and one who always shared his love with the many family and friends who have now come to celebrate his life. He was a dedicated son, brother, nephew, uncle, cousin and friend.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. C.L. Burnham and Mr. and Mrs.Tom Flanagan, Sr.; aunts, Fannie Mae Steele, Billie Jean Carter, Pearline White, Shelia Flanagan, Willa Dean Johnson, and Altha Hoyt; uncle, Connie Burnham, Sr.; and brother-in-law, Darrell Simmons.

Brad is survived by his devoted parents, Mr. Grover Burnham Sr. and Mrs. Ethel Burnham of Newton, TX; his sisters, Gwendolyn Burnham Simmons of Bon Weir, TX (special friend Steve Jones of Newton, TX), Bedellia Ann Burnham of Manassas, VA, and Tammy Burnham of Kabul, Afghanistan; his brothers Grover Burnham, Jr. of San Diego, CA, Arnold (Meldia) Burnham of Jasper, TX, and his twin, Stadford Burnham of Houma, LA; his nephews, Bryan (Lauren) Curry of Fort Worth, TX, Christopher and Dalton Simmons of Bon Weir, TX, Ja’Carie, Avante, and Kaleb Burnham of Jasper, TX; great-niece, Londyn Simmons of Newton, TX; aunts, Lucy (RC) Lee and Nell Walker of Morton, MS, Ethel Neal and Marilyn Byrd of Orange, TX, and Francis Daniels of Newton, TX; uncles, William Flanagan of Morton, TX, Tommy Lee Flanagan of Phoenix, AZ, and Robert Flanagan of Las Vegas, NV; special relative, Rosita (Leroy) Motton of Solon, OH; special love, Shana D. Goeyns of Lufkin, TX; and special friends, Marie (Melvin) Davis of Lufkin, TX, Ashley (Mark) Grantham of Lewisville, TX, Cherree Hall of Lufkin, TX, Cynthia (Darryl) Hall of Longview, TX, Demetress (Demetrius) Harrell of Lufkin, TX, and Barbara Fulbright of Rancho Cucamonga, CA.

The family wishes to express their appreciation to Hospice in the Pines and the team of the Hospice in the Pines Inpatient Unit.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to: Hospice in the Pines, 1504 W. Frank Ave., Lufkin, TX 75904.

Carroway Funeral Home, Lufkin, directors.