William Lee Burgess

William Lee Burgess, 69, of Mankato, Kansas died on Wednesday, March 13, 2024 at Belleville Healthcare Center in Belleville, Kansas.

He was born at home in Esbon, Kansas on April 23, 1954 to George W. and Frances (Shackelton) Burgess. He was the third of five children.

He was a proud Esbon resident and graduated from Esbon High School in 1973.

Bill started working early in his life, mowing yards and doing paper routes. He did custom harvesting and worked for Walker Grain and later was the manager of Midway Co-op in Mankato.

On June 8, 1974 he married Donna Marie White in Riverton, Nebraska. To this union, three children were born, Angela, Andrea, and William Anthony.

Bill was a member of the Esbon Lion’s Club and the Esbon volunteer fire department, even serving as chief for a few years.

He loved motorcycles, OU football, and Lil Debbie snacks. People might be surprised to hear that he loved shopping, including Walmart runs, Cabelas, and even Black Friday shopping after his sister-in-law got him hooked. But it’s no surprise that he was always on the go, a jokester, loved telling stories, and teasing his granddaughter to the point of tears.

Bill is survived by his wife, Donna Burgess, Mankato, KS; children, Angela Burgess, Mankato, KS, Andrea Taylor (Chad), Greensburg, KS, and William A. Burgess (Caitlin), Hesston, KS; two granddaughters, Meriah Escarcega (Cruz Garcia), Hays, KS, and Merissa Coleman, Mankato, KS; siblings, Mary Poland, and Jim Burgess; and numerous nieces, nephews, and other family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, George Burgess; and sister, Vickie Suther.

Funeral Services will be held Tuesday, March 19, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. at the Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church in Esbon, Kansas with Father Jarett Konrade officiating. Burial will follow in the Webb Hill Cemetery, rural Lebanon, Kansas.

A rosary will be prayed at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, March 18, 2024 at Melby Mortuary in Mankato, KS. Visitation will be held Monday, March 18, 2024 from 1:00p.m.-8:00 p.m., at Melby Mortuary, Mankato, Kansas, with family receiving guests from 6:30 p.m-8:00 p.m.

The family suggests memorials to the Webb Hill Cemetery in care of Melby Mortuary, P.O. Box 384, Mankato, KS, 66956.