Gerry Burgess (Lebanon)'s Obituary
Gerry Wayne Burgess was born June 24, 1947 in Lebanon, Missouri to Alonzo and Julie McDaniel Burgess. He departed this life Saturday, June 28, 2025 in Mercy Hospital in Springfield, Missouri at the age of seventy-eight years and four days.
Gerry was raised in the Stoutland area and was a 1965 graduate of Stoutland High School. Following graduation he was employed at Richland Boat Factory before working for Justice Furniture for fifty-four years. He enjoyed his time at Justice and his co-workers were like family to him.
On April 21, 1969, he was united in marriage to his true love and best friend, Janice Burgess. They celebrated over fifty-six years of wonderful memories together.
Gerry is preceded in death by his parents, Alonzo and Julie; an infant son, Tony Lee Burgess; and four brothers, Jack, Charles, William and Richard Burgess.
He is survived by his loving wife, Janice; three daughters, Julie McMillian, Patty Staggs and her husband Cricket, and Amanda Mundy and her husband Michael; his son, Jason Burgess and his wife, Paula; his grandchildren, Jessica, Matthew, Christopher, Brett, Kyla, Yazmin, Mason and Leah; twelve great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; his brother, Jimmy Burgess; and a number of other family members and friends.
Gerry was proud to say he had lived on the same property his entire life, something most people cannot say. He will also be remembered for being a friend to many and never meeting a stranger. He could always find something to talk about.
Gerry was a member of the Laclede County Metal Detecting, the Laclede County Historical Society and the Lebanon Route 66 Society. He knew so much about the forgotten history of Route 66 on the east end of Laclede County, especially along what is now Hidden Hills Road. He could point out the one-time locations of the Sunrise View Tourist Court and Standard Station, the Cedar Crest Store, Cabins and Station, and the Rock Ridge Store and Station.
It was Rock Ridge that Gerry knew best. His parents, Alonzo and Julia Burgess, managed Rock Ridge for 10 years until new lanes for Interstate 44 came through in the 1970s, cutting off those remaining Route 66 businesses from traffic.
He enjoyed collecting knives and cigarette lighters. He also liked to mow and trim and keep his yard looking nice. Gerry also enjoyed auto racing and John Force was his favorite driver.
Gerry loved and cherished his wife, his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchild. He was a caring and trusted neighbor and friend. Gerry was a good, honorable man who worked hard and always tried to do the right thing. Words cannot adequately express the impact he has had on the lives of his family and so many others and he will be greatly missed.
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The family is having a visitation for Gerry, Wednesday, July 2, 2025 from 4 - 6 p.m. at Holman-Howe Funeral Home.
A memorial has been established to the family and donations may be left at the funeral home.
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