Frank & Bright Funeral Home
Robert Burgess
Jun 12th, 1931 - Dec 25th, 2014Robert L. Burgess, age 83, of Flora, Illinois, passed away 5:45 p.m. Christmas Day, Thursday, December 25, 2014, at his home.
Robert was born June 12, 1931, in Xenia, the son of Robert H. and Flossie (Burkett) Burgess. He was united in marriage to Ella Neff on March 6, 1960, at the Bethlehem Christian Church in Flora.
He was a graduate of Flora High School and St. Louis University, and served in the U.S. Navy. After retiring as an aircraft engineer with McDonnell Douglas (Boeing), he continued his work with the U.S. Army on projects including the Apache helicopter. He was a member of the Bethlehem Christian Church, and enjoyed fishing as well as golf during trips to Florida during the winter.
Robert is survived by his wife of 54 years: Ella Burgess, of Flora; 2 daughters residing in Columbia, Missouri: Pamela Burgess and Angela (Jim) Peregoy; and 3 granddaughters of Columbia, Missouri: Rachel, Ashley and Caitlin Peregoy. He is also survived by a brother, George (Shirley) Burgess of Xenia; sister-in-law: Marion Burgess of Flora; as well as several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother: Eugene Burgess.
A funeral service for Robert Burgess will be held 1:30 p.m., Sunday, December 28, 2014, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora. Interment with military honors will follow in Elmwood Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home. Memorial donations in Robert’s memory are suggested to Bethlehem Christian Church, and will be accepted at the funeral home. Share condolences or memories with the family at www.frankandbright.com.