Wayne Burgess

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

Leonard "Wayne" Burgess, 90, of Carthage, Mo., passed away peacefully at his home on January 15, 2025. Wayne was born on September 19, 1934, in Grand Pass, Mo., to Leonard and Jo Helen Burgess. 

On May 5, 1957, he married the love of his life, Barbara Ann (McKnight), and together they shared 60 years of love, devotion, and support. Their union was blessed with four children and later eleven grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren that he was immensely proud of.

His faith in Jesus Christ was evident in his life and in his eagerness to share a gospel song, scripture, or moment of prayer. He attended and served at Glendale Christian Church for many years. Wayne and Barbara co-owned and operated Burgess & Associates, a business they ran with a deep commitment to serving others. Wayne had an innate passion for people and was known for never meeting a stranger, especially at a ballgame or event supporting those he loved.

He is survived by three daughters, Lori Marsh of Springfield, Mo., Pam Rugeley and her husband John of Austin, Tx., Amy Whisman and her husband Kevin of Carl Junction, Mo.; one son, Todd Burgess and his wife Katie of Lincolnton, NC.; and one sister, Susie Sanders of Odessa, Mo. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Barbara, his parents, Leonard and Jo Helen Burgess, two sisters, Donna Lefholz and Linda Burgess, and his son-in-law, Jeff Marsh.







Wayne was a loving grandfather to Christopher Knight and his wife Jennifer, Chelsea Evans and her husband Kyle, Ashlee Ifland and her husband Taylor, Amee Meredith and her husband Blake, Tyler Burgess and his wife Kortlynn, Mikaela Burgess, Tate Whisman, Jake Rugeley, Jess Rugeley, Toby Whisman, and Adelyn Whisman. His legacy also lives on through his great-grandchildren: Savannah Knight, Memphis Knight, Gage Knight, Carter Harrell, Josie Meredith, Nora Meredith, Graham Ifland, Poppy Ifland, Posey Ifland, Ivey Burgess, Nash Burgess, and Jude Burgess.

A man who valued family above all else, Wayne’s greatest legacy is the family he and Barbie built. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him, but his memory will live on in the countless lives he touched.