John M. Burford, 74

LEWES - John M. Burford of Lewes and Spring Hill, Fla., formerly of Baltimore, passed away peacefully Saturday, Feb. 3, 2007, in his home in Spring Hill, surrounded by his loving family. He was 74.

Mr. Burford was born in Mount Carbon, W.Va., son of the late Clay and Tressie (Legg) Burford.

He was a retired Baltimore City Police Officer with 30 years of service.

Mr. Burford was a veteran of the Korean War, serving with the U.S. Marine Corps. He was a member of the Fraternal Order of Police, Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion Post 28 of Oak Orchard/Riverdale and Mary Mother of Peace Catholic Church in Oak Orchard.

He is survived by his loving wife, Rosalie M. Burford; two daughters and two sons-in-law, Deborah and Michael Schaier of Spring Hill, and Linda and Gerard Zubrowski of Lewes; five brothers, Jessie Burford and David Burford, both of Ohio, Sherman Burford of Alabama, and Clay Burford and Jerry Burford, both of Ohio; five sisters, Mary Lou Warren of Louisiana, Nora Rothermel of Florida, Frances West of Texas, Sally Jackenheimer of Ohio, Christine Mender of Wisconsin and Sue Burford of Texas; and four grandchildren, Michael J., Daniel M., Scott R. and his wife, and Jonathan.

A Mass of Christian burial will be 11 a.m. Wednesday in Mary Mother of Peace Catholic Church in Oak Orchard.

Friends and family may call on Monday evening from 6 to 8 and again on Tuesday evening from 6 to 8 in the chapel of Melson Funeral Services in Long Neck.

Interment will be in the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery South in Millsboro.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to Hernando-Pasco Hospice, 1210 Majestic Blvd., Hudson, FL 34667.