Phoenix, Arizona - It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Bruce Todd Burrows, who left

this world on December 5, 2024, after a courageous and valiant battle with cancer.

Bruce was born on December 25, 1934, in Titusville, Pennsylvania, to Clyde Alonzo

Burrows and Lois Millard Burrows.

Bruce was a graduate of Townville High School, finishing in 1952. Following his

graduation, he took a momentous step, enlisting in the U.S. Air Force at the remarkably

young age of 17 with the blessing of his mother. He served his country with honor, and

his bravery led him to Korea during the war. Bruce returned home safely in 1955.

In 1956, Bruce married the love of his life, Barbara Katherine Murphy. Their marriage

was a testament to love and partnership. Together they welcomed their daughter, Lisa

Kay, into the world in 1960. Nothing brought Bruce more joy than being a devoted

husband and a loving father; his family was his pride and joy, and he cherished every

moment spent with them.

In his early years, Bruce and his wife, Barbara, began their adventure together,

embarking on a cross-country trip in their new mobile home. They forged memories as

they traveled from Charleston to San Antonio for Officer Candidate School, and then

continued their journey to Sacramento and Omaha, where Bruce earned his Bachelor of

Science degree from the University of Nebraska. His time at the university laid the

foundation for a vibrant career dedicated to serving his country.

In 1966, Bruce's military journey led him back to McClellan Air Force Base, where he

received fateful orders sending him to Vietnam. During his service, he encountered

lifelong friends and built connections that enhanced not only his career but also

enriched his life. Bruce's experience in Vietnam would shape him profoundly, yet it was

the warmth of his family and his unwavering to them that resonated most deeply in his

heart.

Following his tour in Vietnam, Bruce moved with his family to Otis Air Force Base in

Massachusetts. In a bold move that captivated his adventurous spirit, just 18 months

later, Bruce relocated his family to Soestberg Air Force Base in the Netherlands. During

this pivotal five-year period, Bruce and his family embraced the beauty and culture of

Europe. They traveled widely, adventuring through remarkable cities such as Moscow,

Leningrad, Berlin, Paris, London, and many more. Each journey brought new

experiences that deepened family bonds and created lifelong friendships, both among

fellow military personnel and the welcoming European communities they lived in and

visited.

Bruce finally retired to Litchfield Park, Arizona after 26 years in the Air Force. "Retired"

being used loosely. He went on to "retire" from the State of AZ, Goodyear Aerospace

which became Loral Corporation and Lockheed Martin, and the City of Glendale. During

this time Barbara was working at the Wigwam Golf Shop with close friends, Doug,

Marylou and Craig Allen.

During retirement, Bruce and his old squadron commander from Soesteberg and Luke

AFB Commander, Col. Boyd "Hoot" Gibson bought a 1960 Beechcraft Debonair (Beech,

F33). They continued their passion of flying all over the Southwestern states with their

wives for the next 13 years.

Bruce also served the City of Litchfield Park on the Planning and Zoning Commission

and as a Councilman.

Bruce and Barbara continued their travels with cruising Alaska, Hawaii, Belize,

Caribbean Islands, Vancouver and Mexico.

Bruce is survived by his wife, Barbara, daughter Lisa Zempich, son in law Gary

Zempich, Grandson, Kyle Todd Zempich, Granddaughter Kali Briann Zempich, Great

Grandsons Lukas Middleton, Samuel Clyde Lara, Maxwell Oscar Lara and Great

Granddaughter Ozlyn Sweitek, his cousins Patricia "Tia" Wagner, Vero Beach, FL and

Shirley Verret, Winney, TX. Five nieces and one nephew. He is preceded in death by his

parents, Clyde and Lois Burrows, and his brother, Clyde Alonzo "Sonny" Burrows Jr.

The memorial service will be at the Church of Litchfield Park on Saturday, Jan 11 th at 11

am.