The Superior Express -

William Lee Burgess, 69, of Mankato, Kansas, died on Wednesday, March 13, 2024 at Belleville Healthcare Center in Belleville, Kansas.

He was born at home in Esbon, Kansas on April 23, 1954, to George W. and Frances (Shackelton) Burgess. He was the third of five children.

He was a proud Esbon resident and graduated from Esbon High School in 1973.

Bill started working early in his life, mowing yards and doing paper routes. He did custom harvesting and worked for Walker Grain and later was the manager of Midway Co-op in Mankato.

On June 8, 1974, he married Donna Marie White in Riverton, Nebraska. To this union, three children were born, Angela, Andrea and William Anthony.

Bill was a member of the Esbon Lion's Club and the Esbon volunteer fire department, even serving as chief for a few years.

He enjoyed motorcycles, OU football and Lil Debbie snacks. People might be surprised to hear that he loved shopping, including Walmart runs, Cabelas and even Black Friday shopping after his sister-in-law got him hooked. But it's no surprise that he was always on the go, a jokester, enjoyed telling stories, and teasing his granddaughter to the point of tears.

Bill is survived by his wife, Donna Burgess, Mankato; children, Angela Burgess, Mankato, Andrea Taylor (Chad), Greensburg, Kansas, and William A. Burgess (Caitlin), Hesston, Kansas; two granddaughters, Meriah Escarcega (Cruz Garcia), Hays, Kansas, and Merissa Coleman, Mankato, Kansas; siblings, Mary Poland and Jim Burgess; and numerous nieces, nephews, and other family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, George Burgess; and sister, Vickie Suther.

His funeral was held at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, March 19, at the Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church in Esbon, Kansas, with Father Jarett Konrade officiating. Burial followed in the Webb Hill Cemetery, Rural Lebanon, Kansas.

The family suggests memorials to the Webb Hill Cemetery in care of Melby Mortuary, P.O. Box 384, Mankato, Kansas 66956.

For online condolences, please visit http://www.melbymortuary.com.