Ren was born August 9, 1916, in Pocatello, Idaho, to Charles Lorenzo Burdett and Rose Thomas Burdett.

After earning a Ph.D in chemistry at the University of Illinois, he worked for 35 years as a research chemist for Union Oil Company in Brea, California.

During World War II, Ren met Bittilou Erickson. After a "sweet romance," they married on April 21, 1945, in Berkeley, California, and were later sealed for eternity in the Los Angeles Temple. With her at his side, he dedicated his life to his 7 children and 19 grandchildren.

As a life-long member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Ren has served his Lord in a variety of callings. His most important service has been within the walls of his home, sharing time and his testimony with his family.

Ren loved family gatherings, See's candy, old movies, BYU football, Christmas, marching bands, babies, his cats, "fool's Bridge," and corn on the cob.

Ren is survived by:

• his wife of 59 years, Bettilou
• sister, Barbara Stephens, of Kaysville, UT
• daughter, Cara Wand, and her son, Michael, of Escondido, CA
• son, Eric (Stephanie), of Lehi, UT
• son, Kevin (Beverly), and their children: Eric and Thomas, of Orem, UT
• son, Karl (Carolyn), and their children: Adrienne and Christine, of Moreno Valley, CA
• son, Donald (Janice), and their children: Danielle, Ren, Sawyer, Alyssa, and Lonni, of Lehi, UT
• daughter, Donelle Gearheart (Jerry), and their daughter, Brittany, of Highland, UT, and
• daughter, Barbara Moe (Randy), and their children: Katrina, Kelsey, Eric, Kylie, Krista, Ryan, Austin, and Brandon, of Highland.

He was preceded in death by:

• his parents
• two brothers, Charles (Grant) and Paul
• one sister, Colleen Schwanaveld
• son-in-law, David Wand, and
• daughter-in-law, Janet Yorba-Burdett.