Kevin Burgess

On Friday, January 6, Ralph “Kevin” Burgess, a beloved husband, went to be with the Lord. He was fifty-nine. Born to Everett Burgess and Donna Hess, Kevin graduated from San Juan High School. He later took some courses at Point Loma Nazarene University. Throughout his life, Kevin worked at a variety of jobs including, school custodian for the San Juan School District, campus operations facilitator for Creekside Christian Church formerly First Baptist Church of Elk Grove, and a trainer for Coverall North America cleaning franchises. However, his most rewarding job was driving a school bus for the Elk Grove Unified School District. He was passionate about getting the students to school safely and on time. The students enjoyed his sense of humor. His kind words and quick smile encouraged students, staff, and colleagues. 

in 1989, Kevin married his best friend, Patty Cooper. In the early 1990’s Kevin obtained his ham radio license. His call sign was KR6AI. He enjoyed making contacts with individuals around the world, but also honed his skills learning morse code. He was affiliated with the River City ARCS and Samuel Morse Amateur Radio Club. During this time, he also studied martial arts and served as a Sunday School Superintendent in the First Nazarene Church of Manteca for two years.

 Kevin enjoyed many hobbies such as cartooning, drawing, and photography. He was a voracious reader and was passionate about educating himself. He had a vast knowledge on a wide variety of topics. He was an avid WWII aircraft and car enthusiast. Kevin was always up for a rousing game of chess with his colleagues in Transportation. Additionally, he was a coffee connoisseur who enjoyed the science of making the “perfect” cup of coffee. 

He attended Creekside Christian Church for 28 years and enjoyed participating in drama skits and Christmas dramas, and periodically working in the children’s department. Kevin can best be remembered for his steadfast faith and love for God, and his commitment and dedication to his family. His sense of humor and light heartedness touched everyone around him, and he brought positivity to every situation. 

Kevin is survived by his loving wife of 33 years, Patricia (Cooper) Burgess, mother, Donna Hess, sister, Karen (Tim) Johnston, stepmother, Mary Beth (Scott) Wright, half-brother, Derek (Chisato) Wright, half-sister, Maylinda Burgess, and mother- and father-in-law, Patricia and Elwood Cooper, brother-in-law, Lonnie (Lupe) Cooper, nephew, Tyrel Cooper, and nieces, Samantha (Ed) Taylor and Crystal Johnston, plus a host of other friends and relatives. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Elbert and Ruth (Lape) Burk, and Ralph and Lorene (Lois Williams) Burgess, father, Everett James Burgess, twin brother, Ross Kent Burgess, and stepfather, Alexander Hess.

Family and friends are invited to attend the funeral on Saturday, January 28th, 10:00 am at East Lawn Funeral Home, 9189 E. Stockton Boulevard, Elk Grove. After the service, there will be a time of refreshment and sharing at Creekside Christian Church 8939 E. Stockton Boulevard, Elk Grove. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his honor to the American Heart Association. A page has been set up to accept donations in honor of Kevin: http://www2.heart.org/goto/kevinburgess.