George E Burgess

George E. Burgess of Mankato, Kansas, was the son of Perry George Washington and Frances Bernice (Shackelton) Burgess, was born on October 29, 1942, at Oak, Kansas, south of Lebanon, and died, Saturday, July 23, 2011, at Salina Regional Health Center, Salina, Kansas, at the age of 68 years, 8 months, and 24 days.

He graduated from Esbon High School with the class of 1960. After high school he went into the Kansas National Guard, with is lifelong friend, Richard “Dick” Burns. On March 4, 1967, George was united in marriage to Kathleen Munro of Mankato, Kansas. They lived in Esbon, where he was employed at the Esbon Grain for 49 years. He was a member of the Esbon Christian Church. He served on the Esbon Fire Department and served as fire chief for over 40 years. George was an active member of the Esbon Community; he served in the Esbon Lions Club, was a Hunter Safety instructor, and mayor of Esbon. In 2003, George and Kathleen became owners of Critters Bar & Grill, Mankato, Kansas, and moved to Mankato, Kansas, in 2009. He was employed with Ameri Cor at Lovewell State Park at the time of his death.

George had several pasttimes – family and grandkids, fishing, boating, Nascar races, a huge KU Jayhawk fan, and being a camp host at the lake, where he could visit with many friends. George never knew a stranger for very long, only a new friend. George’s family allowed George to give in death as he gave in life, always giving to others.

George was preceded in death by his father, George; mother, Frances; step-brother, Gene; sister, Vickie; and nephew, Marcus.

He leaves behind his wife, Kathleen; three daughters – Michelle and husband, Kevin Post of Salina, Kansas, Rebecca and husband, Terry Slick of Esbon, Kansas, Chandra and husband, Jason Wagner of Mankato, Kansas; a son – Michael Burgess of Overland Park, Kansas; two brothers – Bill and wife, Donna Burgess of Mankato, Kansas, and Jim and wife, Jackie Burgess of Salina, Kansas, sister Mary and husband, John Poland of Junction City, Kansas; brother-in-law – Harlen Suther, Wetmore, Kansas; grandkids – Scott, Mark, and Chelsa Warner; Ashley and Terri Slick; and Brayde and Kayle Wagner; and a host of other relatives and friends.

A community memorial service will be held at 1:30 p.m., Wednesday, July 27, 2011, at the Harmony United Methodist Church, Mankato, Kansas, with Pastor Gerry Sharp officiating. Inurnment will be at a later date in the Esbon Cemetery, Esbon, Kansas. The family suggests memorials to the Mankato Endowment Scholarship Fund, George E. Burgess Scholarship, in care of the Melby Mortuary, P O Box 384, Mankato, Kansas 66956-0384.

Melby Mortuary, Mankato, Kansas, was in charge of arrangements.