Mr Gary Douglas Burgess

Gary D. Burgess 42 years resident of Lancaster, passed away on February 7, 2014 from a major stroke. He was born on February 15, 1939 in Charleston, West Virginia to Dave and Rethel Burgess. Gary proudly served in the U.S. Air Force as an aircraft electrician which fueled his love of airplanes. He married his childhood sweetheart, Shirley Jelsomine, on September 5, 1959. Gary began his career at Cape Canaveral, Florida with McDonnell-Douglas, working on the Mercury and Gemini space capsules. He was transferred to Edwards Air Force Base where he worked for Lockheed, Fairchild, General Dynamics and KSR. Gary's personal life was full of adventure, including off-road racing, stock car racing, rally racing and flying a hot-air balloon, which he turned into a family business. He also loved camping, fishing, skiing, and most recently, bicycle distance riding. Gary was a great advocate for his community, and was instrumental in driving change on the Eastside in the Piute neighborhood. He never met a stranger he didn't like and will be greatly missed. Preceding him in death are his parents; son, Steven, and grandson, Ethan. Surviving him are his wife of 54 years, Shirley; son, David (Joy); daughters, Donna (Joe), Diana (Scott), Cindy. Gary is also survived by his sister, Gloria Burgess; his brother, Glen Burgess; 7 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. A Visitation will be 4:00pm-8:00 pm, Saturday, February 15, 2014 at Halley Olsen Murphy Funerals and Cremation, 44831 N. Cedar Ave. A Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 pm, Sunday, February 16, 2014 at Grace Chapel, 44648 15th St. W, with Interment at Joshua Memorial Park, 808 E . Lancaster Blvd. at 3:30 pm. Everyone is invited to attend a reception in honor of Gary at Grace Chapel at approx. 4:30 pm. In lieu of flowers, please send donations in Gary's name to Grace Chapel, they will be used for Neighborhood Impact. Online guest book www.caringbridge.org/visit/ garyburgess.