Robert Luther Burgess, 86, of Allen, Texas, passed away on February 9, 2025. He was born on April 3, 1938, in Ballinger, Texas, to loving parents Euelda Coye (Wallace) Burgess and Ivan Luther Burgess.
Robert spent his early years in Brownwood and Lubbock, Texas, graduating from Lubbock Monterey High School in 1956. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biblical Studies, with a minor in English, from Abilene Christian University. On May 31, 1957, he married the love of his life, Elizabeth Jean Yorty, in Lubbock, Texas.
A devoted minister, Robert dedicated his life to serving others through his work with the Church of Christ, sharing his faith and compassion wherever his ministry led him. His journey took him from Copenhagen, Denmark, to Texas and Oklahoma, where he pastored and inspired countless lives. As part of his lifelong commitment to encouraging and equipping others, Robert authored Power Lines, a collection of mini-sermons that served as a valuable resource for ministers and extended his teachings beyond his own congregations.
In addition to his ministry, Robert was the proud owner of Burgess Piano Service, where he built strong connections in his community. He had a deep passion for aviation, building and flying model airplanes and even piloting ultralight aircraft. His love for music was equally profound—he played the guitar and piano and lent his voice to choirs, most recently as a member of the Stonebriar Community Church choir in Frisco, Texas.
Robert will be remembered for his unwavering faith, love of family, and adventurous spirit. He leaves behind a legacy of kindness, service, and a song forever in the hearts of those who knew him.
Robert is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Burgess of Allen, Texas; children, Belinda Speights and husband, Jerry, of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Becky Robbins of Plano, Texas, Brenda Holder and husband, Patrick, of Frisco, Texas, and Robert Scott Burgess and wife, Karrie, of Edmond, Oklahoma; seven grandchildren, Elizabeth Hurt, Clayton Robbins, Rachel Peittersen, Austin Galey, Paige Speights, Matthew Speights, and Brooke Burgess; five great-grandchildren; brother, Jerry Burgess and wife, Donna, of Lubbock, Texas; sister, Carolyn Drain of North Richland Hills, Texas; and a host of other loving family and friends.
Robert was preceded in death by his parents, his grandson, Blake Burgess, and sister, Betty Skoro.
A funeral service will be held at 12:00 p.m., Friday, February 14, 2025 at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home, 2525 Central Expressway North, Allen, Texas 75013. The service will also be live streamed at TJMfuneral.com on Robert’s obituary page by clicking on the following link: https://celebrationoflife.tv/blog/robert-burgess. Interment will be held at Ridgeview Memorial Park following the service.
The family will receive friends during a visitation on Thursday evening from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home.