Kenneth J. Burgess

Kenneth James Burgess, 88, of Oak Hill, WV died on Saturday, February 3, 2007, in Beckley Appalachian Regional Hospital, Beckley, WV following a long illness. Mr. Burgess was born Aug. 18, 1918, at Sanger, WV the son of the late William Burke and Lillie Mitchell Burgess. He was the last surviving member of his immediate family. In addition to his parents, Kenneth was preceded in death by brothers, Elbert, Leslie, and Garvis; sisters, Hessie Elder, Evelyn Smith, Eva Fife, and Gladys Kidd; and his beloved daughter, Kennylee Anne Frost, who Kenneth said was the first person he wanted to see when he got to Heaven. Kenneth graduated from Oak Hill High School in 1938. Later, in line with his work in agriculture, he attended classes at Syracuse University. He volunteered to serve his country in January 1941, and he served in the United State Air Force until July 1945, attaining the rank of technical sergeant. His work thereafter centered around his deep feelings for God’s given land, and he considered his stewardship of the land a privilege. When he retired from Southern States Cooperative in the spring of 1981, Kenneth and Betty moved to the farm they had purchased in 1961, which they named Kennybett Farm. He felt it was the most blessed and beautiful place on Earth. Kenneth had a blessed membership in the Oak Hill Baptist Church, beginning in the 1950s. After retirement he once again became a member there, and was a member of the Shirley Donnelly Bible Class. Kenneth is survived by his wife Betty Lee Stinnett Burgess, to whom he was married on April 20, 1943, in the pastors study of the Oak Hill Baptist Church, by interim pastor A.S. Kelly; son, Kevin and wife Deborah Scragg Burgess of Kennybett Farm, Oak Hill; son-in-law, David Brent and wife Julie Frost; grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Christopher Brent and Anna Dangerfield Frost, and son Noah Brent of Kennybett Farm, Oak Hill, Jonathan David and Emily Hall Frost and children, Hannah Lindsey and Ethan James of Front Royal, Va., and Catherine “Carrie” Nell Frost Lacho and husband Ray of Williamsburg, Va.; and very special friends, Roger and Iona Cummings, and Bamie Hinte. Also surviving are several nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews. Friends may call at Tyree Funeral Home in Oak Hill, WV from 5:00 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, February 6, 2007, and also at the church at 1 p.m. on Wednesday. Funeral services will be held at Oak Hill Baptist Church, Oak Hill, at 2 p.m. Wednesday, February 7, 2007,with the Rev. Charles Scragg of Vero Beach, Fla., the Rev. David White, pastor of Oak Hill Baptist Church, and special friend Deacon John Hall of the Fellowship Baptist Church officiating. Burial will be at the family cemetery with military graveside rites by VFW Post 3110, Oak Hill. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, friends give gifts in Kenneth’s name to their favorite charity.