Joseph Howard Burgess, Jr.

Joseph Howard Burgess, Jr., 83, of Coatesville died on Tuesday May 9, 2017 at the Jefferson Hospital for Neuroscience in Philadelphia, PA. He was the beloved husband of Betty R. Burgess with whom he shared 47 years of marriage. Born December 6, 1933 in Lincoln Hill, PA, he was the son of the late Joseph H Burgess, Sr. and Millie Burgess.
He graduated from Dunbar High School in Fairmont, West Virginia and attended Bowling Green University in Bowling Green, Ohio. He served in the US Army as Fire Control Operator /Instructor on the Nike Missile Base in Edgemont, Pa.  He was employed in the PA Army Guard in the Nike Missile program as Section Chief, Budd Trailer Company as Night Supervisor. He retired from West Chester School District as Building Plant Engineer.
He enjoyed camping, fishing and especially Bible studies.
In addition to his wife Betty, he leaves to mourn five children; two sons Michael J. Burgess and Anthony R. Burgess of Eugene, Oregon, four daughters Linda P. Burgess-Knox of Media, Terri Nettles and Natalie Hamilton of Coatesville, Pa and Lisa Burton, his bonus daughter.  One brother, Ronald M. Burgess of Cleveland, Ohio, one sister Celia Cook of Pittsburgh, PA., and one sister-in law, Dixie Burgess. He is also survived by 17 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. He was predeceased by one grandson, one brother and one sister.
As a member of the Church of Christ, he served in many ministries.  These ministries included Pocopson Home Ministry and Rainbow House Hospice and many nursing homes for the edification of the members of the Church of Christ.   Brother Joe was also preacher and a teacher of the Bible at numerous Churches of Christ across Pennsylvania, New Jersey and various nursing homes. He followed the command of James 1:27, to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction.  This was his task.

Funeral services will be held Monday, May 15, 2017 at 11:00am at the Hephzibah Baptist Church, 2237 Strasburg Rd, East Fallowfield, PA with viewing and visitation at the church from 9:00am to 11:00am. Interment will be held on Tuesday, May 16, 2017 at the Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville, PA at 1:00pm sharp.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Wilde Funeral Home, Parkesburg, PA. Online condolences can be posted at www.wildefuneralhome.com