William Garth Burgess

William Garth Burgess "Loving Husband and Father" William Garth Burgess, age 81, returned home to his Heavenly Father on February 15, 2008, due to injuries sustained from an accidental fall. William (Bill) was born January 12, 1927, in Tooele, Utah, to William and Nellie Jones Burgess. Bill served his country honorably during World War II from March 1945 to December 1946, and again during the Korean War from July 1950 to July 1953. He was proud to have grown up in Hiawatha, Utah, where he married the love of his life, Shirley Dean Gentry, on January 28, 1954; their marriage was later solemnized in the Salt Lake Temple. They later moved to the Avenues in Salt Lake City, where they made their home for many years. Bill worked at Hill Air Force Base for 34 years and retired in May of 1988. Bill and Shirley were constant companions who enjoyed traveling on their motorcycle or in their trailer, spending many winters in Arizona. However, what Bill enjoyed most in life was spending time with his wife and family. He is survived by his loving wife, Shirley; devoted daughter, VaLair Burgess Rupp; and her husband, Laurie Rupp; three grandchildren: Burkeley (Shawna) Rupp, Carson (Brian) Stott, Brooklyn (Taylor) Laybourne; four great grandchildren: Connor Rupp, Parker, Reagan and Boston Stott; his sister, Myrna (Don) Wallace; brother-in-law Jay Martino; sister-in-law, Ruth Burgess. Preceded in death by his parents, William and Nellie Burgess; brother, Harold; sister VaLair. Funeral services will be Wednesday, February 20, 2008, 12:00 noon at McDougal Funeral Home, 4330 South Redwood Road where a viewing will be held from 10:30-11:45 a.m. prior to services. Interment, Salt Lake City Cemetery.