Robert “Bob” Richard Burgess, age 87, Effingham, Illinois, passed away Friday, August 28, 2026, at his daughter's home surrounded by love.

Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, September 4, 2026, at Pagel Funeral Home, Edgewood, Illinois with a one hour viewing prior to start of service. Visitation will take place from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 3, 2026, at Pagel Funeral Home, Edgewood, Illinois. Burial will take place in the Edgewood Cemetery. Jim Giffin will be officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Edgewood Cemetery or donor’s Choice. Online condolences may be left at www.pagelfuneralhome.com

Bob was born on September 25, 1938, the son of Earl Burgess and Berniece Grear Burgess in Edgewood, Illinois. He married Mabel Strackeljohn on November 21, 1959, in Edgewood, Illinois. She preceded him in death, and he missed the love of his life daily. He worked at Fedders in Effingham, was a former member of the Edgewood Village Board, member of the Edgewood Christian Church, trustee of Brown Cemetery, visiting and talking to friends, and would donate to every worthy cause. Bob was an umpire for many years at the Edgewood ball diamond. He like to hunt and attend his grandchildren’s many sporting events.

Bob is survived by his daughter, Debra (Jim) Denton of Effingham, Illinois; son, Doug Burgess of Edgewood, Illinois; six grandchildren, Sarah (Rus) Hilligoss of Germany, Torrey (Nichole) Denton of Altamont, Illinois, Kris (Brittany) Denton of Altamont, Illinois, Tucker (Hailey) Denton of Effingham, Illinois, Hunter Rich of Effingham, Illinois, and Jackson (special girlfriend, Claudia) Denton, Effingham, Illinois; ten great-grandchildren, Lita (special friend, Remmie) Hilligoss, Ben (Nellie) Hilligoss, Denton Hilligoss, Dominic (special friend, Pheonix) Denton, Alex Denton, Liam Denton, Everett Denton, Finn Denton, Carter Denton, and Truett Denton; one great-great-grandchild, Isabella Hilligoss, numerous nieces nephews, and friends.

He was preceded by his wife, Mabel; sons, Randy and Rodney; granddaughter, Amber Burgess, parents, Earl and Berniece, siblings, Leroy, William, Ralph, Dwayne, Nelly and Helen.