Joshua Lee Burgess passed from this life to eternal life with Jesus on Saturday, November 30, 2024. He was born September 5, 1987, in Plano, Texas (to be close to his mother) and lived his growing up years and his final years in Leonard. He was proceeded in death by his mother, Janet Lynn Bates Burgess, his great grandparents, Pop and Mom (Ernie and Lydia Thorp), Grandparents, Lewis and Aleta Bates and Kay and Vernon Burgess. He is survived by his father, Bobby Burgess, brother #2, Jeremy Burgess, brother #3, Jonathan and his wife Cassie, and brother #4, Jacoby. He is also survived by three stepsisters, Morgan, Julia, and Madelyn Butler and one stepbrother, Josiah Butler.
Joshua graduated Leonard High School in 2006 as Salutatorian. He then attended Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia majoring in Bible Studies with the intention of someday becoming a pastor. In the middle of his time in college, Joshua felt directed by God’s calling to join the Army. He served as a Chaplain Assistant for three years at Schofield Barracks in Honolulu, Hawaii and one year in Guam. He returned to Liberty University after his discharge in 2014 but was unable to continue because of the early onset of Huntington’s Disease symptoms. He has lived for the past ten years in Leonard at the home where he was raised.
Many have said that they have never heard anything negative ever said about Joshua. He was dedicated to the Lord, to friendship and his family. Most classmates and friends mention his intelligence coupled with kindness as some of his outstanding characteristics. He could fit in with anyone and made them feel important and accepted. He was a protector as well, primarily practicing keeping his siblings safe from other siblings over the years. He had a creative side to him having worked on some film making primarily alongside his best friend, Taylor Gillespie who passed before him in 2011. The fact that the two of them have reunited is one of the joys of this time. He loved Bible study and spent much of his time enjoying the Word of God. His last year of life included making new meaningful friendships by attending a Bible Study and men’s lifegroup with his father where Christian life, joys and struggles could be discussed. Although he couldn’t say much, the group gained a lot from his presence and testimony.
The family expresses great gratitude to those that helped serve and care for Joshua in recent months. Each caretaker from Fairbranch Healthcare has made a huge difference in Joshua’s life and helped the family immeasurably. You have become and will continue to be like family to us. Also, we wish to express thanks to those that served Joshua and the family from Guardian Hospice. Your sensitive care and expertise made this difficult time so much more manageable.
There will be a family and friends visitation at First Baptist Church, Leonard, Texas on Friday, December 6 from 5-8 p.m. His funeral service will also be at First Baptist Church, Leonard, Texas on Saturday, December 7 at 2 p.m. Following services, an interment will be at Leonard Cemetery, Leonard, Texas. Flowers are nice and appreciated. However, making a donation in Joshua's name to Huntington's Disease Society of America (hdsa.org) would have a more lasting impact.