Denny Burgess

Denny Dale Burgess died Saturday, October 11, 2025, at the age of 89 in Topeka, Kansas surrounded by his family. Denny was born on July 5, 1936, to George and Helen Burgess in rural Pottawatomie County, Kansas. He was one of five sons and is survived by his brothers, Dan, Deane, Dwight, and Dewayne Burgess. Denny was married to Barbara MacPherson Burgess for 66 years. They have three sons. They all have lived in the Wamego and Topeka area. He is survived by his wife; sons, Jim Burgess, Tom (Vickie) Burgess, Mike (Megan) Burgess; and his five grandchildren: Drew, Braedon, McKinlea, Meredith and Miles. Denny served in the army, where he completed basic training in Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. He operated heavy equipment for the US Army. He worked as a journeyman electrician and was a member of IBEW Local 226 for 69 years. Denny was a realtor and broker in Wamego, Kansas, at Burgess Real Estate. Denny also served as a school board member of USD 320 in Wamego. Denny served in the Kansas House of Representatives from 1973 to 1982 where he represented house district 61, which included Pottawatomie and Wabaunsee counties. He was elected Assistant Majority Leader during his last term. At the end of his public service in the legislature, Denny formed Burgess & Associates with his son Tom, where they represented a wide range of clients over the last several decades. Denny also was a rancher and horseman. Denny went to one-room country schools until he attended and graduated from Wamego High School. He played football and ran track. In his senior year he finished second at the State Track Meet in the mile. Baseball and softball also had a special place in Denny's heart. He played town-team baseball until he was 40 for Wamego and several other nearby towns too. He later played competitive slow-pitch softball into his eighties playing in both local leagues and senior olympics softball tournaments. He coached numerous youth teams over the years too, including coaching teams his sons played on. Denny also loved watching his sons and grandchildren play sports and participate in activities. He and Barbara travelled all over to go to baseball, basketball, football, softball, cross country and track meets. He was especially proud of all of his grandchildren. Denny loved the outdoors and enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing, snow skiing, horseback riding, and working on the ranch. Denny was a member of the First Baptist Churches in Wamego and Topeka. He also attended the Faith Community Church in Topeka. Denny's family is hosting a celebration of Denny's life on Monday, October 27, 2025, from 5 to 7 p.m. at The Brownstone, 4020 NW 25th Street, Topeka KS 66618. Please join them for refreshments at a casual event where attendees are encouraged to bring their favorite ball cap, cowboy hat, or some other hat that has a connection to Denny. Burial will be private at Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Wamego. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Washburn University Foundation to establish a scholarship in Denny and Barbara’s name for a Washburn baseball player. Please mail to: Washburn University Foundation 1700 SW College, Topeka, Ks 66621 , Memo: Denny and Barbara Burgess Memorial. You may also go online: https://www.wualumni.org/g/givenow and scroll down to the bottom of the funds and type in “Denny and Barbara Burgess Memorial”, or contributions may be sent in care of Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Road, Topeka KS 66614. Condolences may be sent online at www.kevinbrennanfamily.com

Denny Burgess

July 5, 1936 - October 11, 2025