Robert Lee Burdon was born 27 Sep 1919 to Robert D. Burdon (1898-1941) and Zola Blanche Zeiman (1897-1989).
Robert served in the Army during World War 2.
It was during this time, on Sept. 23, 1942, Clarence Wood shot and killed Robert D. Burdon, Robert Lee Burdon’s father, at The Dells nightclub on Waterworks Road. The coroner’s jury found that Burdon died from a bullet fired by Wood in self-defense.
This tragic incident lead Robert L Burdon to play an important role in the formation of the Good Government League. According to Rev. Charles Dietze’s book “The Henderson Crusade”, Burdon provided information about local gambling activities including names, dates, places, and how many slot machines were present.
Robert L Burdon’s participation in this anti-vice crusade surely helped end the long running free for all of gambling in Henderson.
Robert L Burdon married Syble Roberta Leeg (1922-1952). She tragically died in a vehicle collision in 1952.
Burdon was a mechanic by trade and ran his own shop, Burdon’s Garage, at 1413 Loeb.
Robert Lee Burdon died 21 Jun 1971 (aged 51) and was buried at Fairmont Cemetery, lot B363.
East Ender may have gotten last laugh, by Bill Sheffer:
References:
The Henderson Crusade by Charles Dietze
Find a Grave – Robert L Burdon
Boyett: A ricochet killed gambling’s long reign in Henderson County
Boyett: Killing was losing deal for gambling boss
