George Joseph Burgess

March 27, 1916 – March 31, 2011

George Joseph Burgess age 95 of Palm Harbor, Florida died March 31 at the hospice at Bay Pines VA Medical Center. Burial and memorial service will be held in Indianapolis, Indiana.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ethel Chappelle Burgess Spurlock and Orville Burgess, also a sister Merle Burgess Turner, brother Charles Burgess, his wife, Olza “Bea” Cravens Burgess and sons, Stephen Charles Burgess and Joseph Paul Burgess.

He is survived by his daughters Sandra (Tim) Tucker of Palm Harbor, Florida, Sharon Burgess of Decatur, Illinois, his son G David (Kathleen) Burgess of Bourbonnais, Illinois, and Grandchildren: Heather (Scott) Hatfield, Mary Melissa (Kenny) Thornton, Matthew McCallister, Molly Calvert, Joshua Burgess, and Erin Burgess. Great-Grandchildren: Kristina Calvert, Jeffery Calvert, Morgan Calvert, Leah McCallister, Makenna Thornton, Alyssa McCallister, Beau Burgess, Quinton Hatfield, Dalialah McCallister and Joe Burgess.

Born in the oil fields of Drumright, Oklahoma, George enjoyed life to its fullest. Always “looking on the bright side” of life and with never a bad word against anyone.

George graduated from Arsenal Technical High School in Indianapolis, Indiana. He also attended Butler University where he was coached in swimming and diving by Tony Hinkle. He went on to win the Missouri Conference tri state high diving championship.

George joined the army on February 18, 1943 and served in the Pacific Theatre, stationed in New Guinea, Luzon and the southern Philippines. He held the rank of Sgt. in WWII in the Medical Detachment 127^th Airborne Engineer Battalion and was awarded 3 bronze stars, the American Theater Ribbon, Good Conduct Ribbon and Victory Medal. He was honorably discharged on January 9, 1946 and returned home to his wife Dr. Olza “Bea” Burgess.

After the war George attended Northwestern University and received a degree in Colonic Irrigation, Swedish Massage and Physical Therapy. He and Bea then opened a spa in Hot Springs, New Mexico. Their first daughter Sandra Karon was born while they were in New Mexico. They later returned to Indianapolis where their other four children, Sharon Kay, George David, Joseph Paul and Stephen Charles were born.

His free hours were spent coaching diving, swimming and baseball. He was a great mentor and taught more than just the rules of the game. Many of his students have said how he taught them, by example, the way you should live your life. When there were no baseball diamonds for the Broadripple Little League he physically helped build them.

George retired from “Special Delivery” at the Indianapolis Post Office and enjoyed some of his very favorite past times-fishing and cooking.   He met daily at the local Hardees with the “Hardees Hooligans” a group of like minded friends.

In 1998 George moved to Palm Harbor, Florida with his eldest daughter and her husband to enjoy the Florida sunshine. He will be greatly missed by family and friends alike.

A Celebration of Life is scheduled on April 23, 2011 at Eagle's Crest (Eagle Creek Park), 7201 Fishback Road, Indianapolis, IN 46278 at 1pm. If needed, telephone number to Eagle Creek is (317) 327-7136.