Col. George David Burgess

Col. George David Burgess passed away peacefully Wednesday, April 2, surrounded by his loving family. George's life was marked by purpose, service, and unwavering faith. A devoted husband and proud father of three sons, George was known for his dedication, his humor, and a generous heart.
Born and raised on a farm outside of Wamego, KS, George always knew that he wanted to fly. That dream carried him to Kansas State University, where after two years, he left Manhattan and joined the U.S. Navy. As a radio operator on the USS Yorktown, George spent his days watching planes take off and land, and decided to return to K-State to finish his degree and join the U.S. Air Force. The Air Force sent him to pilot training after graduation.
It was at K-State that George met and married the love of his life Carol. Carol was the true military wife, supporting George's career, managing the home during his trips away, and helping raise their three sons Jay, Jeff, and Todd.
George's career took him across the U.S. and to Japan, Australia, and Greenland. He flew C-124s and C-141s, the CH-3 rescue helicopter in Greenland, and the ambassador's personal C-12 in Australia. While in Australia, George flew the around the world to return the ambassador's first plane to Wichita, KS, and exchange it for the new C-12. During his assignment at the Naval War College in Newport, RI, George received his Master's Degree in International Relations. After Australia, George was a squadron commander in Charleston, SC, and ended his career helping to set up the base for the first C-17.
George and Carol retired in Charleston. George took a job as a construction project manager for church friends doing rebuild after Hurricane Hugo. George and Carol then moved to Chandler, AZ, for 19 years, and ended up settling in San Antonio, TX, at the Blue Skies retirement community.
No matter the Air Force requirements, though, George's heart remained anchored in his faith, his family, and the hard work he learned on the farm. George's life can be summed up as one of thanksgiving - for the country he served, the skies he flew, his faith in God, and the family he loved.
George is survived by his wife Carol, his sons Jay (Sandi), Jeff (Patti), and Todd, his grandchildren Alexandra, Trace, and Chris, and his sisters Judy (Steve) and Joyce (Doug). George was preceded in death by his parents John and Veda, and his brother John and his wife Sue.