Ralph Burgess, 82, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, November 30, 2008 at Vista Medical Center East in Waukegan.
Ralph was born November 25, 1926 in Zion, the son of the late Flossie and John Burgess. After attending grade school and high school in Zion, he attended Knox College in Galesburg, IL. He graduated from Knox in 1950 and married Marjorie Cecil. His College years were interupted by serving in the Navy. He was a lifetime member of Christ Community Church where he served as an usher and a greeter through the years. He was proud of his community and enjoyed serving on the Zion Park Board, the school Board and Zion State Bank Board. Ralph worked with his brother, Jay at Burgess, Anderson & Tate for their father after College, and upon the death of their father, they became the owners of the company.
Along with his parents, he was also preceded in death by one sister, Carolyn; and one nephew, Scott.
He is survived by his wife, Marjorie; his daughter, Barbara Burgess of Madison, WI; his son, John (Michelle) Burgess of Atlanta, GA; his brother, Jay (Shay) Burgess of Ft. Myers, FL and Zion; grandchildren, Katie and Tom Burgess; niece, Jill (Dan) Boyce of Zion; and many loved cousins, nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, December 5, 2008, 11:00 a.m., at Christ Community Church, 2500 Dowie Memorial Drive, Zion, with Pastor Ken Langley officiating. Visitation will be Friday at Christ Community Church from 9:00 a.m. until time of services.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to Camp Zion, c/o Christ Community Church, 2500 Dowie Memorial Drive, Zion, IL 60099 have been suggested.
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