John William Burdett

John "Johnny" William Burdett passed away peacefully on April 3, 2025 in San Antonio  Texas at the age of 87, leaving behind a legacy of ranching, police work, and wildlife management.

Johnny was born on January 27, 1938 in La Pryor,Texas.  From the moment he could sit atop a horse, he rode to assist with ranch work on his family's land, continuing until he graduated high school.

After graduating high school, Johnny became a police officer in Mathis, Texas, later advancing to deputy sheriff in San Patricio County.

In 1959, Johnny began to work at the 74 Ranch, soon earning the title of Ranch Manager, where he would live out his passion for cowboy and ranch work until retiring in 2003.

Even after retirement, Johnny remained at the ranch, making the 74 Ranch his home. He lived on the ranch in Campbellton, Texas which was his happy place for the remainder of his life.

Johnny enjoyed all aspects of the outdoors, wildlife and nature; which is where he spent most of his time.  Everything he learned, he learned by doing it hands on.  He was a true cowboy, with a passion for caring for his cattle, farming, and ranching which earned him a respectable reputation within the ranching community.

Johnny will be remembered in many ways: a genuine cowboy, a great story teller, an honorable and trustworthy man of his word and a true gentleman.  He will be deeply missed.

Johnny is preceded in death by his parents, Frank Albert and Osa Ora Burdett, his brothers, Jack, Allen and Chester Burdett and his sister, Frances Burdett Schaefer.

He is survived by his children, Julie Anne Burdett Abreu (Luis) and John McDaniel, his grandchildren, Pilar Abreu and Marcello Abreu and his brother, Albert Burdett.  Others who will also be mourning his passing are his partner of 36 years, Elsie Wright, and her family including son, Rex Wright; granddaughter, Taylor Wright Lingerfelt (Trevor); and great grandson, Tatum Lingerfelt; as well as numerous extended family members, and many friends.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior project https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org/ or mailed to Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516