Obituary of Elmer Joseph Burbo Jr.

Elmer Joseph Burbo Jr. was born on September 20, 1952 in Monroe, Michigan.   He was one of two children born from the union of the late Elmer Joseph Burbo Sr. and the late Beulah (Reaume) Burbo. After graduating from Gibraltar Carlson High School with the Class of 1970, Elmer enlisted in the United States Army.   He honorably served his country as a Rescue Helicopter Pilot during the Vietnam War.    

For more than thirty-five years, Elmer, supported his family as a Crane Operator.   He was employed at the Ford Motor Company Woodhaven Stamping Plant retiring in 2009.

Elmer married the love of his life, the former Ina (Drew) Payment on September 15, 2002 in Las Vegas, Nevada.   Elmer enjoyed retirement, and he kept busy through several different memberships including the Brest Bay Gun Club, the Newport Fireman’s Association Club, and the Fun Ones snowmobile Club in Lewiston, Michigan.  He also enjoyed fishing, hunting, and bowling.   Elmer was a jokester and looked forward to seeing his buddies on Sundays to play cards, throw darts, and watch sports. He was an avid University of Michigan fan and loved his NASCAR.

Elmer Joseph Burbo, age 65 of Newport, passed away unexpectedly at 10:45am on Sunday, March 25, 2018 at ProMedica Monroe Regional Hospital.   In addition to his parents, his passing was preceded by his sister: Betsy Rootier.

To cherish his memory, he leaves his loving wife of fifteen years:  Ina Burbo of Newport; a son:  Edward (Sara) Burbo of Belleville; three step-children:  Patricia (Dave) Whittenburg of Trenton, Richard (Patsy) Payment of Monroe, and Edward Payment of Monroe; and ten grandchildren.

Friends may gather on Wednesday, March 28, 2018 from 2:00pm until 8:00pm at Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe Street (734) 384-5185.   A funeral service will be held at 11:00am on Thursday, March 29, 2018 also at Merkle’s.   Procession will follow to Roselawn Memorial Park in LaSalle where graveside services will be under the auspices of the Monroe Veterans of Foreign War Post 1138.

Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort, send a floral arrangement, or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com.