George M. Burge

George M. Burge, 96, Topeka, passed away July 25, 2016, at Stormont-Vail HealthCare. George was born December 30, 1919, in Calumet OK, the son of A. L. and Lena Carnahan Burge, in his maternal grandparents’ farm home. He loved his maternal grandparents and their farm and as a result George spent many summers there and graduated from Calumet High School. During those high school years he met the girl who would be the love of his life and eventually his wife. After graduating from high school and a short career as a mechanic, George was drafted into the United States Army. He served four years During World War II. George’s artillery unit went ashore on Utah Beach five days after D-Day. His gun fired the first shot on Cologne, Germany. George was wounded while in combat and received the Purple Heart. Upon return from the service, he married his high school sweetheart, Hazel Andersen, on October 27, 1945, in El Reno OK. They celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary in 2015. George received a Bachelor of Science Degree from Wichita State University in 1949. He worked as a geologist in western Kansas for 15 years. George taught, from 1969 until his retirement in 1985, in USD #427 in Belleville KS. George earned his Master’s Degree, in 1977, from Fort Hays State University. George was a member of West Side Christian Church, the American Legion Post 1, a life member of the Kansas State University Alumni Association, the Disabled American Veterans, and the Topeka Area Retired Teachers’ Association. George is survived by his wife, Hazel; children, Dr. Nancy Burge, Topeka, Wayne Burge, Kansas City MO, Warren Burge (Janelle), Olathe KS; nine grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; sister, Emily Allene “Honey” Harris, Topeka; brother, Allie Leslie Burge, Tyler TX, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a brother and a sister. Funeral service will be 1 p.m. Friday, July 29, 2016, at Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Road, Topeka KS 66614, with visitation one hour prior. Burial to follow at Mount Hope Cemetery, Topeka KS. Memorial contributions may be made to West Side Christian Church, 432 SW Lindenwood Avenue, Topeka KS 66606, or the Good Samaritan Project at Topeka Presbyterian Manor, 4712 SW 6th Street, Topeka KS 66606.

George M. Burge

December 30, 1919 - July 25, 2016