Michael Burgess

Worley-Luginbuel Funeral Home, Grove, OK....918-786-2261....Michael Brad Burgess, passed away at his home in Grove, OK on Wednesday, May 21, 2014 at the age of 51. Brad was born on April 22, 1963 in Fort Worth, TX, the son of the late Norman Burgess and Wanda (Floyd) Rowe. After Brad graduated from Nathan Hale High School in Tulsa, OK in 1981, he attended the University of Oklahoma. Brad graduated from OU in 1985 with a bachelor's degree in Business Administration and began his next "phase" as a lifelong "Sooner" alumni-fanatic. Upon completion of school, Brad began his corporate career as an account manager for Beecham Products. He then ventured out on his own and became an Insurance agent with Northwest Mutual Life Insurance Company. Brad was passionate about Northwest Mutual, and felt it was an honor to represent them because he considered Northwest Mutual to be the finest company on planet earth. His customers appreciated that passion for his company and his sincere attention to his craft leading him to great success. In his most recent years, Brad worked out of his home on Grand Lake until his battle with cancer caused him to take an early retirement in 2004. However, Brad was never defeated nor felt sorry for himself because of his illness. Rather, he leaned on GOD's understanding and poured his life into his son Zachary, born in March 2005. His desire became helping Zachary enjoy life to the fullest. Those life lessons spilled over to Zachary's school mates, team mates, teachers and friends. He volunteered much time in the classroom in Grove public schools and coached little league basketball and baseball. Brad was a familiar Dad at youth sporting events, Church and school. Despite his illness forcing him into early retirement, Brad felt that his illness was partially a God-send because it allowed him to spend more time with his son, family and friends. Brad enjoyed OU sports and loved fishing and golf. His God and Savior gave Brad the spiritual strength to fight-the-good-fight against cancer for 10 long years. But, to be certain, the love of Brad's earthly life was his son Zachary. He will be greatly missed. He was preceded in death by his father. He is survived by his beloved son Michael Zachary Burgess; mother Wanda Rowe of Tulsa, OK; step-mother Suzie Burgess of Snyder, Texas; one sister and brother-in-law Greg and Leisa Grodhaus of Grove, OK; and a host of relatives and friends. A celebration of life memorial service will be held at C.O.S. Church (Church of the Shepherd) in Grove, OK on Friday, May 30, 2014 at 5PM with Pastor Mike Whitney presiding. A private family burial will be held at a different time in the Olympus North Cemetery, Grove, OK. There will be public visitation on Thursday, May 29, 2014 from 6PM to 8PM at Worley-Luginbuel Funeral Home in Grove, OK. Arrangements are under the direction of Worley-Luginbuel Funeral Home, Grove, OK. Friends and family may leave notes of encouragement by viewing Brad's Book of Memories at www.honoringmemories.com. In lieu of flowers, if so inclined, Brad would appreciate donations be given to a special 10-year-old child that he and Zachary have sponsored for several years and consider as part of their family: Junior Alinda of Uganda, Africa. A fund has been setup with Bank of Oklahoma, under the account of "Brad Burgess Memorial Account". In this way, we celebrate the passing of one life into giving hope and new life for a very deserving young man living in darkest Africa under extremely trying circumstances.

Visitation Details

Thursday, May 29th, 2014 6:00pm - 8:00pm, Worley-Luginbuel Funeral Home - Grove

Service Details

Friday, May 30th, 2014 5:00pm, COS-Church of the Shepherd

Interment Details

Olympus Cemetery North