Orvis Burdsall

Orvis G. “Shorty” Burdsall, 89 of Alexandria died peacefully at his residence on Feb. 12, 2018.
Shorty was born in Lyons, IN on Mar. 30, 1928 and was the son of Lexie and Lucille (Melick) Burdsall. On Aug. 16, 1952 he married Erlene (Snyder) Burdsall. He served his country during WWII serving in the United States Marines.
After graduating from Vincennes Lincoln High School. Shorty received his Bachelor’s Degree from Butler University where he was a star basketball player for Coach Tony Hinkle.He then received his Master’s Degree from Ball State University.
He was a member of the former First Methodist Church, Elks Lodge 478, Eagles Lodge Aries 1771, Alexander Bright Post 87 of the American Legion, Alexandria VFW, Sigma Chi Fraternity at Butler University, he was a honored member of the Butler Basketball Hall of Fame, Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame, he was a member of ISHAA Board of Control, served as president of the ISHAA Board and longtime member of the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame Executive Committee and Special Deputy of the Madison Co. Sheriff’s Dept.
Shorty was a beloved legend in the Alexandria community. He started his teaching career in Eden, IN before coming to Alexandria where he taught high school mathematics and served as the basketball coach until 1964 and then later became the principal of Alexandria-Monroe High School until his retirement. Shorty loved working and living in Alexandria, so much that he turned down offers from other schools such as Shelbyville and Madison-Grant and the position of ISHAA Commissioner.
Shorty was a loving and caring husband, father and grandfather and enjoyed spending time with his family and friends.
Left to cherish his memory is his wife Erlene, son, John Burdsall of New Castle, daughters, Leslie Burdsall of Indianapolis and Mary Jane (Kevin) Lungren of Freeland, WA. Also surviving are his grandchildren, Sam, Zora and Emma.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Ledonald Burdsall.
Funeral services for Shorty will be on Sunday, Feb. 18, 2018 at 1:00 p.m. at the Orvis G. “Shorty” Burdsall Gymnasium in the Alexandria Intermediate School, 308 W 11th St., Alexandria, IN. Friends may call the gymnasium on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2018 from 4:00 p.m. to 8: 00 p.m. and one hour prior to the service on Sunday.
In lieu of flowers the requests that memorials be made to the Elks Scholarship Fund, 1810 S. Harrison St., Alexandria, IN 46001 or in care of the funeral home.
Whetsel Funeral Service is honored to care for Shorty and his family.
For additional obituary information and online condolences visit: www.whetselfuneralservice.com.
Donations may be made to:
Elks Scholarship Fund
1810 S Harrison St, Alexandria IN 46001