Evelyn Frances Olejnik Burgar passed into eternal life at the age of 99 following an extended stay at the William R. Courtney Texas State Veterans Home in Temple. Her frequent prayer to “fly away and be with the Lord” was realized on July 13, 2024 with family at her side. Evelyn was born September 2, 1924, the first of five children to Henry and Frances Pitrucha Olejnik in Ratibor, Texas. She attended Cameron Yoe High School and graduated from Sharp High School in Milam County.
Evelyn met Gordon D. Burgar while he was in the U.S. Army and stationed at Camp Hood during World War II. They were married in 1943 and shared almost 63 years together until Gordon’s death. After the war, Evelyn also served her country in a civilian capacity wiring instrument panels for B-47 military aircraft at Boeing Aircraft in Wichita, Kansas. Evelyn was a devoted working mother of five sons during her 28-year medical secretarial career at Scott & White Hospital. She worked in many departments and directly for several department heads. She was particularly proud of the years she worked for Dr. G.V. Brindley, Jr. Finally, she served as an educational assistant in the Texas A&M medical residency program at Scott & White Hospital before retiring in 1986.
Evelyn was active in the local National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and served on the Planning and Network Advisory Committee of Central Counties Services for 16 years. Evelyn also treasured her time as a Mary Kay Cosmetics consultant, receiving several awards over 32 years. She took great pleasure in vegetable gardening and was a terrific cook. During recent years she often recalled the memorable cruises made with her close friends, especially their trip to Jamaica. After raising five sons she adopted five cats, all males, and each with its own unique personality.
Evelyn was known for her commitment to Christ and spiritual devotion, keeping a Bible with her at all times. She enjoyed hosting Bible studies in her home before moving to assisted living at the age of 90.
Evelyn was preceded in death by her husband Gordon in 2006; sons Bruce in 2000 and Donald in 2001; brothers Henry Olejnik in 2014 and Johnny Olejnik in 2021. Survivors are sons Lt. Col. (Retired) John Burgar of Tennessee, Dean Austin, JD of California; and Charles (Joy) Burgar, MD of Belton; daughter-in-law Marie (Terry) Hardwick of Temple; sisters Ethel (Amos) Martinez and Peggy Lynch of Temple; and sister-in-law Esther Olejnik of Moody. Evelyn also leaves behind six grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, and 11 great-great-grandchildren.
Her desire to be close and helpful to her family never faded. During her nursing home stay she always greatly appreciated the family and friends who called or visited. Special appreciation goes to those kind staff at William R. Courtney Texas State Veterans Home and Gentiva Hospice who cared for Evelyn.
Funeral services will be held at 10 AM, July 16, 2024 at the Scanio-Harper Funeral Home in Temple, followed by interment at Bellwood Memorial Park, with Pastor John E. Abbey officiating. Visitation will be held from 9 to 10 AM preceding the services.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) or a local charity of your choice.
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