Rev. George W. Burgin
Rev. George W. Burgin, 75, of Lake St. Louis, Missouri passed away at his home Wednesday, August 29, 2012. George was born November 15, 1936 in rural Moberly Missouri in his parents’ home. He was preceded in death by his father, Chester Burgin; his mother, Hannah (Gully) Burgin Harlan; step father, Raymond Harlan; step-mother Lena Burgin; half brother, Bud; and step-brother, Raymond Harlan, Jr.
George knew from an early age that he was called to serve God. He graduated from Central Methodist College in 1957 and was part of the first graduating class of St. Paul School of Theology in 1962. Upon graduation he was ordained an Elder in the Missouri Conference of the Methodist Church. According to not only his family, but most others that had the privilege of hearing his messages, George was one of the best preachers in Missouri. He had a way of making you feel that he was talking to you, not in a demeaning way, but in a loving way. George took the commandment from Jesus to seek and save the lost seriously. He had an overwhelming passion to serve the “least of these” in our society. Justice and fairness in society to all people was his mission. He wanted all people to know the verses of Scripture from Romans that state that “nothing will ever separate you from the love of God.” Spanning over 57 years of service, George served with over 20 church congregations both in the metro and rural areas of Missouri; he also served as one of the first Directors of Metro Ministry in St Louis.
On February 20, 1982, George married Carolyn Dickerson Hynes in O’Fallon Missouri, she survives. George is also survived by his children, Barth (Cynthia) Burgin, Greenwood, MO; Bonita (Dennis) Fitzmaurice, Columbia, MO; Rev. Bendi Burgin, Stanberry/Albany, MO; step-children; Sandi (Greg) Baber, Lake Saint Louis, MO; Bill (Milly) Hynes, Flint Hill, MO; Lynda (Eric) Hynes-Nau, Republic, MO; and Jim (Shelley) Hynes, Flint Hill, MO; step-brother, Robert Kitchen; half sister, Martha Courtney; half brother, John Burgin; several nieces and nephews and his grandchildren.
George not only loved serving the church and his family, he adored his grandchildren, Lauran and Quentin Burgin, Connor and Ann Fitzmaurice, Tyler and Allie Hynes, Mandi and Matt Baber, Christian and Belle Nau, and Grace Hynes.
Memorial Services will be held on Saturday, September 8th at 11:00 am at George’s home church, West Park UMC located at 1101 Myra, Moberly, Missouri. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Shalom House (Formerly known as Metro Ministry) Rev. Bendi Burgin, 508 N Park, Stanberry MO 64489 or to Central Methodist University, George Burgin Memorial, 411 Central Methodist Square, Fayette MO 65248. George was definitely a child of God and is home again.
Please leave your condolences below.
Barth and family,
I am so sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing and wanted to let you know that I’m thinking of you at this time of sorrow. Although I didn’t know your Dad for a long time, and it was many years ago, I always found him to be joyful and funny and he was kind to me. You’re in my thoughts and prayers
Terri (Sanders) Crane
May the happy memories of your loved one comfort you during your loss.
Your family will be in my prayers.
Our prayers are with the family at this time. May you find comfort in this time of sorrow.
I know that George will be missed by so many. He was a special friend of mine from school days. We were in the same graduation class in Moberly. Your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
I was a member of Williams Memorial when George became our pastor. I served on the Staff Parish Committee. I was always impressed not only for his concern for the congregation, but also for his work in the community. He will be missed.
I did not have the privilege of having George as a mentor. But I can say without hesitation that every time I was in his presence it was a blessing. It was so obvious that God’s spirit was upon him. His assurance of his call and his willingness to share his time spoke into times of anxiety a calming presence. He was a gift and will be missed.
First met George in ’01 when he delivered baccalaureate message for my son’s graduating class in New Franklin. Later worshipped in the same congregation at Missouri Church. Keeping the family in prayer. Bless you all.
Carolyn and family, George was a great blessing to me! He was a mentor and role model for me going back to 1976 when I served as his Associate Director at Metro Ministry. George was filled with compassion for the poor in the Wesleyan spirit. He always called us to task to be God’s Church. I am so grateful our paths crossed “where cross the crowded ways of life”. My prayers are with you. Thank you all for sharing him with all of us! Blessings on you! Winfrey & Toni Dickerson
George was very special part of the Gully Family. He was always there for us especially in the difficult times. He was a wonderful man and will be missed by all who knew him.
George has been a faithful friend and colleague for over 50 years. He represented the best in our tradition; someone I would want as a pastor for my family.
So sorry to hear about the passing of George. I worked with him as a Program Director in the Williams Memorial United Methodist Church in O’Fallon, MO in the mid ’80’s. I just got the news through the CMU publication. My condolences to the family. Starr
My prayers are with Carolyn and family.
I recall how Rev. Burgin influenced my husband the late Bishop Rhymes Moncure to attend Saint Paul School of Theology . Our friendship with George & Carolyn has spanded many years. I also remember his many inspiring sermons. His life has made a tremendous impact on many lives.
his many
Dear Barth, Bonita, Bendi and all of George’s beloved family,
I was so saddened to read of George’s passing in the CMC Talon. I have no idea if you, Bath and Bonita, remember when I babysat for you on Sat. mornings in Jefferson City so many years ago.( mid-60’s) Your dad was Associate Pastor at First United Methodist then and I loved helping your folks by babysitting.Your dad was such fun and so inspiring. I am not sure if you were even born then, Bendi.
My husband and I met at Central Methodist in 1968 and we lived in Columbia after being in Tx during the Air Force, and have been out West now for 29 years( in Wyo. and now Idaho).Our girls and their families still live in Casper, Wy and we plan to retire there.
I just had to write and share my fond memories of those Saturday mornings when I was a teenager when I saw your names. Memories are so special.
With Sincere Sympathy and Fond Memories,
Jennie Graham Long