Reed H. Burman

  Reed H. Burmanof Ararat, PA Reed H. Burman, 96, of Ararat Township, PA passed away at his home Thursday morning, May 23, 2013.  He was born in Ararat Township on August 7, 1916, the son of Emerett and Lorraine Keenan Burman.Reed was preceded in death by his first wife of 38 years, Harriet Cook Burman, sons James and Gerald Reed Burman, 2 grand-children, Lauren and Matthew, his great-grandson Jake Burman and his second wife of 21 years, Marion Slocum Bedford Burman. He was also preceded by his brother Myles, and by his two sisters, Isabelle Butler and Kathryn Conrad. He is survived by two sons and three daughters-in-law; David and Dianne Burman of Ararat, PA,  Ivan and Elaine Burman of Ararat, PA  and Bonnie McCall of Atco, NJ, four grandchildren, Michael Burman and wife, Dawn of Atco, NJ, Michelle Burman and husband,  Mark of Atco, NJ, Jeff Burman and Jennifer, of Union Dale, PA, and Scott Burman of Ararat, PA; eight great-grandchildren, Corey and Garrett Timberlake, Joshua, Corrine, Isabelle, Benjamin, Nicholas and Andrew, a great-great grandson, Jordan.  He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Alice Machalek of Binghamton, NY and his beloved dog, Lady and his cat, Kitten.Reed was a dairy farmer, rural letter carrier for 35 years and a lifelong business man.  He owned and operated a trucking business, delivering hay, coal, fertilizer and other products.  He took great pride in the reputation and success of Burman’s Maple Products, in which he was a partner with his son, David, seeing it grow from a small family hobby and becoming one of the region’s largest producers and distributors of maple products and production equipment.  He enjoyed socializing while marketing maple products at various events.  Reed served as secretary of the Ararat Township Board of Supervisors for 34 years.  He was County Compliance Supervisor for the U.S.  Department of Agriculture’s Soil Bank, and Feed Grain Program.   He was a member of the Ararat United Methodist Church, a 50+ year member and Past Master of Mount Hermon Lodge #472, Free and Accepted Masons of Pennsylvania,  a 60+ year member and Past Master of Gibson Grange #798, a Past Master of Susquehanna County Pamona Grange #7, Pennsylvania State Grange Deputy Master, served as a director for GLF and Agway, on the board of the American Dairy Council, the Dairyman’s League, a director for Eastern Breeders Association, a 4H leader, a member of the NEPA Maple Producers Association, a member of the Sons of the Union Veterans, Lt. Ezra S. Griffin Camp #8, earning that honor through his grandfather, Private George H. Burman, Co. A,  56th Regiment.  He also served for over 25 years as a volunteer for the Meals-on-Wheels program until the age of 93.  He enjoyed his tractors and working on the farm.  Reed took great pride in owning the Burman Homestead Century Farm longer than any other family member since it was established in 1867.  Reed frequently enjoyed attending church dinners and pancake suppers, and his presence will be missed by many.The family will receive friends on Tuesday, May 28, 2013, from 6:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M.  at the Hennessey’s Funeral Home, 747 Jackson Avenue, Susquehanna, PA  18847.  A Masonic funeral service will be conducted at 7:30 P.M., on Tuesday, May 28, 2013.  Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, May 29, 2013, at 10:00 A.M., at the Hennessey’s  Funeral Home, with Rev. Lloyd Canfield officiating.  Interment will be at the Ararat Cemetery on Ridge Road in Ararat Township.In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Thompson Hose Company, Thompson, PA  18465.