Jerry Robert Burge, 66, of McPherson, Kansas, passed away peacefully July 14, 2020 at Hospice House of Reno County, Hutchinson, Kansas.  He was the son of John " Bob" Burge and Rosella Kirk Christensen and was born on May 11, 1954 in Lyons, Kansas.  Jerry was a retired lifetime farmer and resident of rural Lyons, Kansas.  Because of his health, Jerry moved to McPherson, Kansas a year ago to be near his daughter and grandchildren.

Jerry was known for his love of Kansas Jayhawks Basketball and never missed the chance to watch a game.  In fact, his daily life was planned around the Jayhawks basketball schedule and everyone who knew him, knew he was unavailable for anything but watching the game when they were playing.  Jerry also enjoyed NASCAR and was a huge fan of Dale Earnhardt.  He enjoyed owning a racecar ( #3 of course ) and racing at Hutchinson Motor Speedway every weekend for several years.  He loved music and was a gifted drummer.

Jerry was known for being a big teddy bear even though his size and demeanor were sometimes intimidating to those who did not know him.

He fiercely loved his daughters and had a special bond with each one.  He took pride in their accomplishments and who they were - they meant everything to him.

On October 31, 1990 he married Jole and even though they were separated at the time of his death, they were still married and remained close - she was his best friend from the time they were young until the day he left us.

Survivors include: his mother, Rosella Christensen of McPherson, Kansas; wife, Jole of Lyons, Kansas; 3 daughters, Jara ( Dean ) LeGron of McPherson, Kansas, Tonya Savage-Depew of Hutchinson, Kansas, Tiffany ( Tyler) Boeken of Sterling, Kansas; 1 brother, Kirk ( Debbie) Burge of McPherson, Kansas; 2 sisters, Chere ( Jay ) Reed of Hutchinson, Kansas, Christa ( Adam) Meisinger of McPherson, Kansas; numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, John " Bob" Burge, his brother, Jeff Burge, and his beloved daughter, Kylie Holder.

A graveside service will be held Friday, July 24, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. at the Lyons Municipal Cemetery, Lyons, Kansas.  Following the service there will be a celebration of Jerry's life at Workman Park in Lyons, Kansas.  All family and friends are invited to attend.