Obituary of Richard Burris

Richard Burris, passed away peacefully at Allen County Regional Hospital, Iola, Kansas, on Saturday, June 23, 2018, at 89 years old. John Richard Burris was the oldest of 11 children, born to Mose and Anna (Swan) Burris. He was born on his great-grandmother's homestead in Olpe, Kansas on October 1, 1928. He married Lois Jean Weseloh on January 10, 1954, in Iola. They were blessed with five children. Richard and Lois were always active as a family in church. Richard's family was the most important aspect of his life as he and Lois focused on raising a Christian family. Upon his death he was a member of St. Timothy's Episcopal Church in Iola, Kansas. Richard was proud of the legacy he and Lois were able to build on the cornerstones of faith and family. He was immensely proud of his children, and their families and he was grateful for the joy that they brought to his life.

Richard received a formal education through the 9th grade, and a PhD from life. His strong work ethic, honesty and courage enabled him to begin his seventy-four year career in the oil business at age 15. Richard's resourcefulness fed his desire to create something from nothing, and he continued that throughout all of his life. Richard also enjoyed fishing with trips to Belize, Florida, Canada and Alaska. He also had annual elk hunting trips to Colorado and developed lifelong friends. In 1964 the family began a tradition of annual family vacations visiting most 50 states and creating lifelong memories.

Richard was a veteran of the Korean War, serving in South Korea near Pusan. He served in the US Army, from January 11, 1951 – December 24, 1952, making it home to Iola in time for Christmas 1952.

Richard was preceded in death by his infant son, David Jonathan Burris, December 21, 1956; his parents; three sisters, Jo Ann Folk, Betty Michael, Daisy Harris; three brothers, Fred, Bob, and Wes Burris.

In addition to his wife, Lois, Richard is survived by his children, Dick "Richard" Burris and wife, Marsha E. of Iola, Marsha M. Burris of Iola, Judy Lair and husband, Greg of Piqua, Cindy Stafford and husband, Greg of Carrollton, Missouri, and Mark Burris and wife, Deanne of Manhattan, Kansas; 10 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren and two great-grandchildren on the way; two brothers and two sisters, Larry Burris of Rogers, Arkansas, Shirley Townsend of Overland Park, Jerry Burris and wife, Sherry of Burlington, and Sharon White and husband, Don of Burlington, Kansas. He also has many nieces and nephews who enjoyed his cooking at family gatherings.  Along with his loving brothers and sisters of St. Timothy's Episcopal Church.

A celebration of Richard's life will be held at 10:30 AM, Wednesday, June 27, 2018 at St. Timothy's Episcopal Church. Private family graveside service will be held in the Highland Cemetery, Iola. The family will greet friends from 6:00 to 8:00 PM, Tuesday evening at Feuerborn Funeral Home, 1883 US Highway 54, Iola, Kansas. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Timothy's Episcopal Church or to the Southern Coffey County Honor Flight. Condolences may be left at www.feuerbornfuneral.com.