Larry Burlingham Obituary

Larry K. Burlingham, 79, of Decatur, passed away on Friday morning, May 16, 2025, at Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo.
He was born on February 20, 1946, in Gary, Indiana, the son of the late Daniel and Margaret (Tucker) Burlingham. Larry was a veteran of the United States Army serving 3 years during the Vietnam conflict. On December 10, 1977, he was united in marriage to Nancy J. Gaborik. Larry was employed as a police officer for over 15 years serving with both the Hartford Police Department and Van Buren County Sheriff's Department, until his retirement.
Larry was an avid outdoorsman. He enjoyed hunting and fishing with longtime friend, the late Jay Hamilton. Larry always looked forward to spending Saturdays at the Decatur VFW for Freddy Burgers with his brother-in-law, the late Tom Bennett. Most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.
Surviving are his wife of 47 years, Nancy Burlingham; 4 children – Patrick Burlingham, Jennifer (Jason) Kromka, Scott Burlingham, and Amber (Gary) Phelps; 13 grandchildren – Katelynn (Dennis) Amerson, Jarred DiLorenzo, Ashley (Tim) Yoder, Brandon Kromka, James Phelps, Sierra Millword, Mackenzie Millword, Christopher Phelps, Brody Phelps, Lucas Phelps, Whitney Phelps, Dori Phelps and Nolan Phelps; 9 great-grandchildren; four siblings – Elaine Moore, Marilyn (Roy) Sumner, Daniel Burlingham and Marie Gann; brother and sisters-in-law – Sandra Bennett, John (Donna) Gaborik and Mike Gaborik; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Preceding him in death were his parents and 4 brothers – Robert, Richard, Dennis, and David Burlingham.
A Memorial Gathering to celebrate Larry's life will be held from 2:00pm-5:00pm on Saturday, June 7, 2025, at Decatur VFW Post 6248, 560 N. Phelps St, Decatur. Larry will be laid to rest privately in Ft. Custer National Cemetery, Augusta, MI. Arrangements have been entrusted to Newell Chapel – Starks Family Funeral Homes, Decatur. Please visit Larry's personalized webpage to share a memory or leave a condolence to his family at www.newellchapel.com.