Everett Burcham

Everett Royce Burcham, of Sand Springs, OK, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on December 9th, 2024 at the age of 90. Everett was born to Charlie and Montie Burcham on March, 15, 1934 in Havana, AR. He was then preceded in death by parents Charlie and Montie Burcham, sisters Bessie DuVall, Rayvilla Bass, Mary Trousdale, brothers, Alfred Burcham, George Burcham, Luther Burcham, Jim Williams, Robert Burcham, Charles Alfred Burcham, Jr. , Maurice Burcham, and Don Burcham and great grandchildren, Corey Graham and Cyra Saner.

He is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Louise Burcham, their two sons, Bill Burcham (Deb) and Bruce Burcham (Cherri), God-daughter Shelia Neal (Harold), seven grandchildren, Chuck Graham, Josh Graham (April), Michele Burcham, Christy Walker (Jordan), Laura Smith (Collin), Levi Burcham, Michael Burcham (Alyssa) and sixteen great-grandchildren, Connor Graham, Austin Graham, Shelby Graham, James Nelson, Gracie Graham, Kaliyah Burcham, Tripp Walker, Beau Walker, Candice Saner, Jaxxon Saner, Taya Graham, Zack Graham, Lincoln Burcham, Avery Smith, Kenzie Graham, Reagan Smith, along with numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.

Everett served in the United States Navy before beginning his career as a Machinist at Graver Tank. He worked for numerous companies throughout his career, most notably National Tank/CE Natco and McDonnell-Douglass. He was also known to pick up odd-jobs throughout his career, including concrete work that often included a hand-print signature from loyal little helpers (aka grandchildren). Just check the back patio of the family home if you need proof! He retired at the age of 62, though he never truly stopped working.

Everett met the love of his life, Louise, while she was working at a cafe; a story they both loved to tell. They married on October 17th, 1958. Throughout the years they tried new hobbies and embarked on numerous adventures, even touring the country in their motorhome. You should have seen the light in Everett’s eyes when he got the chance to spin his soul-mate around at a Square Dance! That marriage and love grew into a family that became their greatest and most valued accomplishment. Together, they built a legacy of integrity, steadfast service, and love that they poured into those around
them.

He loved the outdoors, to doodle (which often got him into mischief), play the guitar and harmonica (though none of his grandchildren ever learned to really play, much to his chagrin) and of course go “gallivanting around”! He picked countless buckets of pecans, grew the most delicious tomatoes and Granny Smith Apples, and caught more fish than could ever be counted. Everett was excellent at turning someone else’s trash back into treasure, and an avid believer in paying it forward, with no expectations of return on his investment. Whether he was whittling a whistle, humming “Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Da”, or reading The Yell County Newspaper he was always ready for a good time, a long walk, or a ride in Rackety-Boom! It would be a rare event to be around Everett and not have a laugh, a Papaw Pop (aka Pepsi), and maybe even raise a little cane.

Everett was a friend to many, as is often said he “never met a stranger’, but his most precious titles were husband, father, uncle and Papaw. He was certainly a force to be reckoned with, though he had a gentle and playful heart. The twinkle in his eyes, his mischievous grin and the unending pride and love he poured into others will be deeply cherished and forever missed.