John W. Burgess

John W. Burgess, 80, a lifelong resident of Dover, died peacefully Wednesday, April 7, 2004 in his home following a brief but courageous battle with cancer.

Born November 14, 1923 at Dover, he was the son of the late John O. and Mabel Amos Burgess. He was also preceded in death by his step-mother Melva Palmer Burgess.

For nearly 60 years he had been a part of the operation of the Burgess Drilling Company �" a business that was started by his father and is now being operated by his son.

John was a well-known area figure with a variety of interests and affiliations. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church of New Philadelphia. He was also active as a member in the Dover Elks lodge #975, member and past master of Tuscarawas Lodge #59 F & A.M. at Dover, member of the Scottish Rite Valley of Canton, member of the Tadmor Shrine having served many years with the Stewards Unit, past-president of the Tuscarawas Shrine, past Worthy Patron of Order of Eastern Star #222 at New Philadelphia. He also presided in several York Rite bodies and was recipient of the York Rite honorary degree �" Knight of the York Cross of Honour.

He bravely served his country in the South Pacific as a member of the Army during World War II where he received the Meritorious Service Award while stationed on the Island of Tinian. He was a former member of the Dover VFW.

John was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing. He was a big sports fan, but most of all John loved spending time with his family.

On January 10, 1995, John lost his best friend and wife, Mary, with whom he shared 46 years of marriage.

He is survived by: four loving children, Patricia (Harold) Bouscher of the Tappan Lake area, Barbara Burgess of New Philadelphia, Robert (Stephanie) Burgess of Dover, Cynthia (Alan) Abrams of Garrison, NY; six grandchildren, Harold “Rusty” (Kim) Bouscher, Brent Bouscher, David Hoffman, Jeffrey and Matthew Burgess and Joshua Abrams; 2 great-grandchildren, Kloe and Brennan Bouscher, and a brother, Kenneth (Marilyn) Burgess of New Philadelphia.

In addition to his parents and wife, John was preceded in death by a brother, Howard “Sock” Burgess and an infant sister.

A funeral service celebrating his life will be conducted Saturday, April 10, at 2:00 p.m. in the Toland-Herzig Funeral Home, Dover with Dr. Steven Bailey officiating. Interment will be in the Jerusalem Church Cemetery where the Dover VFW will conduct military honors.

Friends may call in the Toland-Herzig Funeral Home, Dover on Friday from 1-3 & 5-7 p.m. with Masonic services being held at 7:00 p.m.

Those unable to attend or wishing to share a fond memory may sign the online register book for John by visiting the obituaries link on the funeral home�(TM)s website.

The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to Hospice of Tuscarawas County, 201 W. 3rd St., Dover.

Toland-Herzig, Dover
(330) 343-6132
www.tolandherzig.com