Obituaries

Leon Ray Burdeshaw

The full measure of a man is not counted in the width and height of his statue, but in the depth of his compassion and love for what mattered most in his life.
On Sept. 29, 2008, Leon Ray Burdeshaw, 89, went to be with the love of his life, Geraldine. Not many men can say they saw their future wives on the day of their birth, but Leon did, and as the years passed he pursued his dream and married his love on May 22, 1946.
 We, his daughters, were proud to follow God’s commandments that we honor our father and mother that their days would be long upon this Earth. He was born on Aug. 26, 1919, in Vernon, Fla., to Andrew Jackson and Lonie Burdeshaw.
His life was full of proud historical memories and he was very proud of this country and the service he gave to it. He walked from Panama City, Fla., to Dothan, Ala., to join the Army. He trained at Camp Croft in South Carolina and served his country in many ways and during World War II. The special unit of the 894th Tank Destroyer Battalion was formed at Fort Benning Ga., and Leon trained our boys to destroy tanks of our nation’s enemies. The men he trained went to places like North Africa and fought against Rommel and the desert forces. Kasserine Pass in Italy was the site of another bitter encounter with the enemy … a victory won by some of the same men he trained.
He walked into history 10 days after the atomicbomb was dropped in Hiroshima to proudly help secure the remains of our servicemen.
With utmost pride he served in the honor guard for President Harry S. Truman, his favorite president, upon his visit to Eglin Air Force Base. His picture hangs in the halls of Building 1 on Eglin where his daughter Candy works.
Upon moving to the Niceville area in 1947, he began to carve out a life for himself and his family. Along with his loving wife, they bought a piece of land and like the pioneers of old began to clear the land and use its many resources. He loved the land and would grow some wonderful gardens. He enjoyed seeing the land transform from fresh tilled soil to budding vegetables. He built their home with care and love, almost with his bare hands as tools were few and far between and for some 56 years lived in the same place.
He retired from Civil Service in 1964 and worked at Fred Gannon State Park as one of its first rangers. He built many a structure that still stands today. He was an avid hunter and fisherman and his work outdoors suited him.
He also worked with the Okaloosa County School Board as a carpenter and retired. Daddy always laughed that he could no sooner retire than someone wanted him to go to work with them.
Leon was a 60-year member of Okaloosa Lodge 312 of Free and Accepted Masons and a 49-year member of Niceville Chapter 254 of the Order of the Eastern Star. He served as Worshipful Master in 1965 and served the Eastern Star as Worthy Patron in 1970 with Belle Taylor and in 1992 with his daughter, Wanda.
Daddy was a strong and gentle man of few words but he loved us even without saying. His hands were guiding and warm and his life was full and we will always thank him for the gifts of knowledge of life. We will miss you so much, Papa.
Our parents were ill for such a long time and many wonderful and caring medical personnel cared for them in so many ways. To every person of Amedysis Home Health Care and Emerald Coast Hospice, to all the doctors, nurses and Twin Cities Hospital staff who were so caring and concerned for our dad, may God bless your work forever more. To the EMS personnel, friends who came by so faithfully, to family who were there for us at all times, we can never say how much we love and appreciate all you did for us. You are all angels.
Again, to our wonderful “Angel” Gabby Williams who cared so much for them … we love you.
He was preceded in death by his wonderful wife of 62 years, Geraldine, who passed on Sept. 8, 2008.
He is survived by two daughters, Wanda Ray Mitchell and husband Gordon, and Candy Pate-Herring and husband Larry of Niceville; two grandchildren, Michael Ray Mitchell of Destin, Fla., and Michelle M. Kowal and her husband Peter of Gulf Breeze, Fla. He was blessed to have three great-grandchildren, Joshua Taylor, Jackson Peter and Emma Ray Kowal.
Time of visitation will be at Heritage Gardens from 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 2 with a Masonic service at 7 p.m.
Funeral services will take place on  Oct 3 at Heritage Gardens Chapel at 11 a.m., with burial at Heritage Gardens immediately following.
A reception will be held at First United Methodist Church fellowship hall after burial
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to Sharing and Caring, 104 Bullock Blvd., Niceville, FL 32578.
You can view a memorial to Mr. Burdeshaw, offer your condolences and sign the guestbook at www.heritagegardensfuneralhome.com.
 Arrangements are entrusted to Heritage Gardens Funeral Home.
“Gone to be with his love … forever and always in our heart.”

Grace E. Mishko

Grace E. Mishko, 80, of Plains Township, Pa., and formerly of Patterson, N.J., died Sept. 30, 2008, at her home.
Born in Bronx, N.Y., she was the daughter of the late Arthur and Estelle (Niedergang) Leishman. She was a graduate of Bronx High School, and a homemaker all of her life.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Mishko; son, Nicholas Mishko; grandchildren, Daniel Mishko, Jr. and Melissa Mishko; and brothers and sisters.
Surviving are her sons, Robert Mishko and his wife Linda of Plains, and Daniel Mishko and his wife Adele of Santa Rosa Beach, Fla.; six grandchildren; eight greatgrandchildren; and nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held Oct. 3, at 11 a.m. from Corcoran Funeral Home, 20 South Main Street in Plains. Friends may pay their respects at the funeral home on Friday from 10 a.m. until the time of service.
Online condolences may be made at www. corcoranfuneralhome.com.