Jerry Clair Burgess, age 78, of Osawatomie, Kansas, died Tuesday, March 31, 2009 at the Country Club Estates in Paola.

Jerry was born August 4, 1930. He was the younger of two sons born to Jack William and Dorothea (Gott) Burgess. He attended the local schools in Kansas City, Missouri until moving to Osawatomie. He graduated from Osawatomie High School with the Class of 1948. He then attended Baker University and graduated from there with a BA in Business.

He was married to Wilma Lee Millsap on December 7, 1952. They made their home in Kansas City and became the parents of two children. Their marriage ended in divorce. He later married Sherrie Locklin and together they had two children. They lived in Omaha and then southern Missouri. They were divorced. Jerry then moved to Wichita.

He married Doris Held in November of 1993. They made their home in Osawatomie. Doris died July 21, 2001.

Jerry was a cook. He primarily worked for Sydney's Restaurant in Kansas City, Missouri, but had also cooked at local restaurants in Paola and Osawatomie.

Jerry was a music lover. Jerry played the role of clown for several bands. He played the wash tub base and the jug. The band played for nursing homes and community events.

Jerry was a member of the First Christian Church in Osawatomie. He was an elder for the church, served on the board of his church for a period of time, and also taught Sunday school. He was also a member of the Fiddlers and Pickers and the Lions Club in Osawatomie.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Doris, and his brother, Tommy.

He is survived by his son Tommy Burgess of Sedalia, Missouri; three daughters, Tandy Gabbert of Roeland Park, Kansas, Vickie McArthur of Wichita, and Jenni Julian of Osceola, Missouri; 9 grandchildren; 4 great grandchildren; other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were held on Friday, April 3, 2009 at the Eddy-Birchard Funeral Home in Osawatomie. Burial was in the Osawatomie Cemetery. Pallbearers were Adam Gabbert, Dillon Mcarthur, Colt Perry, Chavis Burgess, Craig Linot, and Stephens Jones. Memorials to the American Heart association.