Bill Burgess' Obituary
Junior William "Bill" Burgess, a longtime resident of Welch, Okla, passed away Friday, December 10, 2021, at Oswego Health and Rehab after an extended illness. He was 98 years old.
Bill was born January 30, 1923 in Flint Creek, Okla. to Frank and Sadie (Phillips) Burgess. He graduated from Jay High School. He attended NSU where he earned a Bachelor Degree in Education, and a Masters Degree in Science. Later, he attended OSU where he was educated to teach Drivers Education.
Bill was 32 years old when he met the former Alice Giles. On March 2, 1957, they were married in a ceremony in Miami, Okla.
He taught school in Colcord, Baxter Springs, and Riverton prior to teaching in Welch for many years, retiring at age 62. He was a member of the Oklahoma Teachers Association and the National Teachers Association. He was also a member of the Welch Lions Club, and a longtime member of the Welch Baptist Church where he taught Sunday School for 60 years.
He loved fishing, hunting, gardening, reading his bible, playing dominoes, and making fishing jigs. His garden was always the most admired garden in town.
On February 4, 2011, Alice preceded him in death. He is also preceded by his parents and four siblings.
Those mourning his loss include three children, Becky Mount of Welch, Sadie Detherage and husband Jay of Fairland, and Jeane Burgess of Welch; four grandchildren, Justin Mount of Welch, Melanie Graham of Jay, Erin Detherage of Fayetteville, and Katie Detherage of Fairland; three great grandchildren, David, Kazdion, and Keleigh Mount; along with several nieces and nephews.
On Tuesday, December 14, the family will receive friends at the Welch Baptist Church from 5-7 p.m. Services will be held Wednesday, December 15, at 1:00 p.m., also at the church. Pastor Bob Whitchurch will officiate.
Burial will follow in the Peoria Indian Cemetery. Casket bearers will be Justin and David Mount, Jay Detherage, Greg Giles, and Steve and Brandon Carlson. Honorary casket bearers will be Carol Ed Giles, Denny Gray, and Bob Rapp.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests you honor Bill by making a donation to the Welch Public Schools Enrichment Foundation P.O Box 129 Welch, OK 74369.
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