William Chaille Burcham, age 90, passed away peacefully on Friday, September 21, 2012 surrounded by family members. He is now joined in heaven with his loving wife of 61 years, Polly Chubb Burcham, who preceded him in death in November 2010. Bill was born on September 13, 1922 in Quapaw, Oklahoma to William Riley and Alberta Burcham. The family moved to Baxter Springs, Kansas where he graduated from high school. Bill attended Baker University before serving his country during World War II. He served in the Army’s 1253d Military Police Company (Aviation), guarding bomber bases in England, Ireland and Belgium. Upon returning home, he continued his education, graduating from the University of Kansas in 1948. Bill joined General Motors upon graduation, originally working in the Fisher Body Division at the Leeds Assembly plant in Kansas City, Missouri. He spent his entire career working in the Personnel / Human Resources department of that plant. Bill married Polly Ann Chubb in July of 1949. Bill and Polly were faithful members of Countryside Christian Church in Mission, Kansas for over 60 years. He served the church as Deacon and Elder. He was also troop leader for the Church’s Boy Scout Troop 189 for a number of years, enjoying many Jamborees and taking the troop to Philmont. As his father before him, he was a member of the Freemasons. Lovingly known as PoPo to his grandchildren and great grandson, Bill is fondly remembered for his off key rendition of “Home on the Range” as their lullaby song, soothing them to sleep. The family also fondly remembers his obsession with cookies, anytime, anywhere. Bill and Polly enjoyed traveling together and with family, whether by car, train, plane, or by ship. They traveled through much of the United States – East, West, North, and South. Together, they enjoyed Europe, the Holy Land, Thailand, and many island destinations. William is survived by his four children Scott, and his wife, Teri, Ann Donovan and her husband, Robert, Carol Garrison and her husband, Jim, and Robin Crawford and her fiancé, Don Hansen; eight grandchildren Matthew, William, James, Christopher, Paul, Michael, Grace, and Luke; one great grandson, Brendan; as well as, AFS foreign exchange son, Somchat Supabhundit. The family wishes to thank the kind staff at the Sweet Life at Rosehill, Crossroads Hospice, and Elvira “Charo” Cisternas for their loving care during Bill’s final months. Memorial services will be held at Countryside Christian Church in Mission, Kansas at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 30, 2012. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Countryside Christian Church or the Burcham Scholarship Fund at Baker University. (Arr. Heartland Cremation 816- 313-1677)
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