William J. Burgess

A memorial service for William J. Burgess, 87, Lawrence, will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday at West Side Presbyterian Church.
Mr. Burgess died Thursday, Oct. 6, 2011, while vacationing in Colorado.
He was born May 16, 1924, in Lawrence, the son of Edwin T. and Helen Rohrer Burgess.
Mr. Burgess participated in Boy Scouts of America as a youth, achieving the rank of Eagle Scout.
He worked at Winter Chevrolet for many years, followed by a long career at Reuter Organ Company. After retirement, he also worked for Dillons.
He served for many years as an assistant scoutmaster of Troop 55, a local troop begun by his father. He had been a member of West Side Presbyterian Church in Lawrence since his childhood.
He and his wife were foster parents to many children and enjoyed being active in foster parenting associations at the local and state level. They also were active in Presbyterian Mariners and participated in numerous family camps.
He married Vera Louise Durbin on Oct. 19, 1947. She preceded him in death in 1999.
He was also preceded in death by his parents and his brother Edwin, of Carson City, Nev., in 1995.
Survivors include five children, Ted Burgess and wife LouAnne, Dennis Burgess and Toby Burgess, all of Lawrence, Jan Burgess and husband Peter Wilkinson of Rutherford, N.J., and Johanna DeLony and husband Theo of Silver Spring, Md.; six grandchildren, Tim and Michael Burgess, Madeleine and Evan Wilkinson, and Gavin and Fiona DeLony; a brother, Arden Burgess and wife Donna of Lawrence; and 13 nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the church, 1024 Kasold Drive.
The family suggests memorials to West Side Presbyterian Church or to the Alzheimer’s Association, either of which may be sent to the church.
Arrangements are being handled by Lawrence Chapel Oaks Cremation and Funeral Services.