Benny "Gene" Burgess

Benny “Gene” Burgess, 88, of Burlingame, KS passed away Friday, October 13, 2023.  He was born November 27, 1934 in Bartlesville, OK the son of Theodore Burgess and Edna May (True) Burgess. He attended schools in Burlingame, Osage City, Scranton and Topeka, KS. 

He was united in marriage to Aletta Marlene Akers on November 14, 1953 in Topeka, KS.  They shared over sixty-six years of marriage before the passing of Aletta on January 24, 2020.

Gene was a hard worker from a very young age, from helping build bridges at the age of 12-13.  He worked on a pipeline, a nursery and ranch, all before turning 15 years old.  He became a cement finisher as a young man and worked in concrete construction for many years before taking a position at Kansas Neurological Institute in Topeka, KS, retiring as Supervisor of Maintenance & Ground Crew.  He and his wife never stopped working. They worked side by side creating beautiful flower and vegetable gardens, a vineyard and an orchard on the family homestead.

Gene was a member of the Harveyville United Methodist Church in Harveyville, KS; and a former member of the Federated Church in Burlingame, KS. He also enjoyed singing with the band, Harveyville Pluckers. Coaching softball, fishing, golfing, woodworking and especially baking cakes for his family.

Gene had to overcome many obstacles while growing up.  His wife and children came first.  He loved spending time with them and will be remembered for being a loving, compassionate, caring, brilliant, and kind Father.  

Mr. Burgess was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Aletta; a daughter-in-law, Janice Burgess; a sister, Amy Ferris; and six brothers, Merle, Ted, Harold and Bill Burgess and Bob Wilson and James Jolly.

Surviving family includes, three sons, Steven Burgess and wife, Naomi of Baldwin City, KS, Robert Burgess and wife, Rosy of Burlingame, KS and Roger Burgess of Burlingame, KS; a daughter, Paula Canfield of Burlingame, KS; a brother, Marian Burgess and wife, Lou Ann of Lindale, TX; and a Foster Mom, June Workman of Overbrook, KS; seven grandchildren, Mandy, Jesse, Josh, April, Jenna, Kristen and Alex; and sixteen great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, October 21, 2023 at the Harveyville United Methodist Church, 371 Wabaunsee Avenue, Harveyville, KS 66431.  Inurnment will follow at Wilmington Cemetery, Harveyville, KS.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Harveyville United Methodist Church or Burlingame Recreation Youth & Parks and sent in c/o the Lamb-Roberts-Price Funeral Home, P.O. Box 194, Burlingame, KS 66413. Condolences may be sent to the family through www.lamb-roberts.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Benny "Gene" Burgess, please visit our floral store.