Joe Burgess

William Joseph Joe or Joey Burgess of Farmington passed away at his home on Monday, October 11, 2010, at the age of 65 years in the presence of his loving wife and family. He was born in Detroit, Michigan on November 2, 1944. Joe was the son of Frank and Leanna (Barnes) Burgess of Farmington who preceded him in death. Also preceding him in death was a sister, Joann who died at 13 years of age, two beloved brothers-in-law, John La Breyere and Jim Wilkson, a dear niece, Lisa Crossett, and a cherished cousin, John Burgess. He is survived by his wife, Janis (Anderson) Burgess, and sons, Scott Childress (Andrea) of Atlanta, GA, Bret Burgess (Alycia), Joel Burgess (Rachel), Matt Burgess (Jessica) and Paul Burgess (Erika). Joe is also survived by his precious daughter, Emily Sewell of Kirkwood, MO. He was a loving grandfather to Zack, Austin, Drew, Jonah, Emma, Lily and William. Five adoring sisters also survive, Shirley Wilkson, Beverly La Breyere, Joyce Crossett (Gene), all of Farmington, Sharon Garrett (Jerry) and Linda Underwood (Greg), all of Aberdeen, MS. Joe was blessed with a generous number of sweet nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends. Cousins, Jerry and Bud Burgess of Michigan, along with their mother, Edith Burgess held a special place in his heart, as well as John and Karen Carr of Pilot Knob. As a life-long resident of Farmington, Joe graduated from Farmington High School in 1962. He began Burgess Excavating in 1975. Along with business partner, Chip Peterson, he developed the Maple Valley Business Center through their Farmington Development Company. He has also served on the Board of New Era Bank for several years. On the weekends he would satisfy his need for speed at the drag strip where he raced his Mopars. As the owner and driver of the Burgess Racing Team he held a professional license with the National Hot Rod Association. Joe will be remembered most as a man of great faith attending the Farmington Nazarene Church, but sharing his love for Christ in his special ways throughout the community. He would want us to thank Dr. Jim Moore for his years of excellent care as a physician and friend; Debbie Wilson, his hair-cutter extraordinaire; Missouri Baptist Hospital nurses, physicians and staff for their excellent care; Beth and BJC Hospice for their loving support; John Hunt, close friend for the almost daily fly-overs to say Hi Buddy ; the multitudes of visitors, food providers, cards, calls " and the general outpouring of love and care to Joe and his family during this time. The family will receive friends at Cozean Memorial Chapel from 3 to 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, October 15th and 16th. A funeral service will be held at the Centene Center at 2 p.m. on Sunday, October 17, 2010. Interment will follow at Parkview Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Ministerial Alliance Food Pantry or the American Legion Post 416 of Farmington. View Tribute Video and share your memories and condolences at cozean.biz.