William Earl Burgess was born on April 13, 1937, in Stilwell, Oklahoma, to John and Stella May (Deason) Burgess. On October 19, 2023, the 86-year-old, 6-month-old, and 6-day-old died tragically in Stilwell, Oklahoma. His parents were John and Stella May Burgess (née Deason). Earl was a guy of few words, but he was straightforward, cheerful, and devoted to his family. He and his wife Mary were among the first members of the Stilwell Christian Worship Center when it first opened. His regular attendance at services demonstrated his deep devotion to the Lord.

In addition, he loved camping, especially in Colorado, farming, and working with cows. Earl’s life had a big impact on a lot of people, and he will be profoundly missed by everyone who knew and loved him. His parents John Wilson and Stella May (Deason) Burgess, his siblings Cecil Junior, Troy, and Ruby Burgess, as well as his wife Mary Anita Burgess and their daughter Evie May all passed away before him. His only surviving relative is his daughter Mary Anita Burgess.

He has a close-knit family that includes his niece Diann Holman and her husband Clint from Ponca City, his nephew Leroy Burgess from Wellington, Kansas, and his great nieces and nephews Dustin, Devin, Drew, Casey, and Clay. He considered Dexter and Nora Workman to be his children, as well as their son Chad and wife Kaylee (Jenkins) Workman. Every single one of these individuals is a treasured member of his family.