Dr. John Pierre Burgess

John Pierre Burgess, age 92, died October 28 at Friends Fellowship in Richmond, Indiana.  
   He was born on July 1, 1925 in Whitewater, Indiana to John Manning and Doris Abel Burgess.  
   Dr. Burgess was a lover of learning and focused his career on increasing the quality of rural education in Whitewater, Indiana and West Virginia.  He was a proud graduate of Purdue University earning a B.S. in Agricultural Education followed by a Master’s Degree in Chemistry/ Physics Education from Miami University of Oxford and a Master’s Degree and Ed.D in Educational Administration from Ball State University.  He served as a dedicated teacher and Principal of Whitewater School, Assistant Principal at Northeastern High School and a Full Professor and Education Department Chair at West Virginia Wesleyan College.  He is fondly respected and remembered by numerous students.
   Pierre loved watching Purdue sports, gardening, travel, reading, nature and euchre.  He was a skilled woodworker and made many items that are treasured heirlooms.  He will long be remembered for his quick wit and delightful sense of humor.  He was a man of faith who lived his values daily and leaves a lasting example of integrity for his students and family.
   He was a beloved son, brother, husband, father, grandfather and uncle.  He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife of 62 years, Audrey Heitmann Burgess and four children, Cheryl Burgess Jamison (Jim), Robert Burgess, Joe Burgess (Valerie) and Jeb Burgess (Susan) along with 5 grandchildren, Miguel Jamison Carvallo (Alyssa Wagner), Rachel Jamison, Sabrina Ford, Cameron and Trevor Burgess as well as great-grandchildren, Julian and Lyra Carvallo, Caleb and Travis Nelson and many nieces and nephews. He is survived by his loving sister, Barbara Hunt.
   He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings Joseph Burgess, Patricia France, and Jane Schneider Braund and granddaughter, Andrea Ford Nelson.
   The family would like to thank the staff at Friends Fellowship who provided excellent care during Pierre’s illness.
   A Memorial Service to celebrate a life well-lived will be held on Saturday, November 25 at 2:00 p.m. at Friends Fellowship Community Room, with public gathering from 1-2 p.m.  Following interment at Whitewater Cemetery, a dinner will be held for family and friends at Olive Garden.  All friends, family and former students are warmly welcome to attend.  
   Memorial contributions may be made to Friends Fellowship Endowment Fund, 2030 Chester Boulevard, Richmond, IN 47374 or the charity of your choice.