CENTRAL CITY – Sonnie Burden, Jr., 94, of Central City, died Sunday, December 29, 2024, at 10:33 a.m. at his residence. Born June 23, 1930 in Muhlenberg County to Sonnie Burden and wife, Pansye Duvall Burden. He was a member of New Harmony Church. He retired from P & M Coal Mines. He was preceded in death by his parents, a son, Wayne Leon Burden, a great-granddaughter Sophia Grace Crawford, brothers, Willard Burden and James Burden and sisters, Jean Mackey and Betty Thomasson.
Survivors include his wife of 55 years, Dana I. Burden, three granddaughters, Katina Hill (Brian) of Central City, Tracy Tucker (Tarvis), and Jaime Crawford (Jacob) of Lexington; Three great granddaughters, Madison Epley (Daniel), Mackenzie Hill and Layla Crawford, one great-great grandson Jonah Hill, and daughter-in-law Barbara Burden.
Sonnie was a one-of- a kind. He was ambitious, outgoing and you could say a character. He had wisdom that comes from years of experience and hard work. You could also say he was a self- taught man. He had little education as he went to work in the log woods with his father at about 10 years old. He was a dozer operator, drag line operator and a licensed River Boat Captain. He was a tough taskmaster and expected others to do their best.
He loved telling stories about growing up in Rosine, Ky. He loved listening to country music and was subject to break out singing at any time. Some songs he wrote himself. He also loved wheeling and dealing whether it be old cars or real estate.
He loved his family dearly and would brag about them to anyone who would listen. He loved all animals and in later years especially loved cats. He adopted any that happened to come his way.
He had a tough exterior with a big heart from growing up poor. He loved giving to others and said it was better to give than to receive. He was a big influence on his family and many others. He touched many lives in his 94 years. He will truly be missed by all those who loved and admired him.
Funeral services were held Tuesday, December 31, 2024 at 12 p.m. at Tucker Funeral Home in Central City with Bro. Larry Hamby officiating. Burial followed in New Harmony Cemetery. Online condolences may be made at www.tuckerfuneralhomes.com. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Muhlenberg County Humane Society.
