Ex-sheriff's captain, undersheriff dies

BELDING, Mich. (WOOD) - William Burden, longtime Kent County Sheriff's Department captain of detectives, has died after a lengthy battle with pancreatic cancer.

Burden, 65, also served as Montcalm County undersheriff for nine years, according to an obituary from Pederson Funeral Home.

He was with the Kent County Sheriff's Department for 30 years before leaving the department as captain of detectives. He also served in the Vietnam War.

Burden is remembered as a hunter, fisherman, marskman and outdoorsman. He was active in his community, church and the Christian school his children attended.

Burden leaves behind a wife, daughter, son and sister among other family members.

The family wishes to express its gratitude to The Mayo Clinic of Phoenix and TGen Cancer Research for their care and support.

Funeral services are scheduled for Friday at Oakwood Christian Reformed Church in Belding.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Mayo Clinic Cancer Research, TGen Cancer Research or the Wounded Warrior's Project.

Condolences may also be sent via the Pederson Funeral Home website.