Charles Burge

He was born September 27, 1938, in Ann Arbor, Michigan, to Velma Ann Conradi (Connie) Burge, an RN, and Dr. Curtis Hunter Burge, a trailblazing radiologist, and grew up in Houston, Texas. Charles married a fellow Houstonian, Susan Staples Burge, daughter of Marjorie Marie Sledge Staples and Ercelle Horace Staples, on June 9, 1962. Charlie and Susan celebrated their 60th wedding Anniversary just a few weeks before his death.

Charles is survived by his loving wife, Susan, and his two children, Anna Margaret Burge Ellis of New Orleans, LA and Dr. Carlton "Cary" Hunter Burge of Little Rock, AR. Also surviving are their spouses, John Cothran Ellis and Jennifer Lea Overton, and four brilliant and beautiful granddaughters, Miriam deBuys Ellis, Susan Sledge Ellis, Phelan Ella Burge, and Amelia Lindon Burge. Charles was predeceased by his parents and his brother, William Wallace Burge. Charles is also survived by his niece and nephew Laura Burge Esparza and William Wallace Burge, Jr. (Chris) and his sisters-in-law, Alice Staples Wilson and Dorothy Burge Driscoll (Vic), and also his cousin, Dr. Pamela Van Allen, and his great niece and nephews. “Sir” will be missed terribly by his family and their friends for his unwavering devotion and truly unique sense of humor.

Charles was an accomplished musician, studying piano and trombone at Interlochen and banjo, guitar and autoharp at the Ozark Folk Center. He graduated from Spring Branch High School in 1956. He received a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Texas in 1960 and continued at UT to receive his MBA in 1962. Charles married Susan, then joined the United States Air Force where he served as First Lieutenant, Titan II Missile Commander. The Air Force brought Charles and Susan to Arkansas. They settled in El Dorado where Charles started his career of over 30 years with Murphy Oil Corporation. He was a pioneer in computer science for the company and used it in the many other disciplines he practiced at Murphy.

Charles’ second “career” was his lifelong membership and service at First United Methodist Church. He and Susan led the youth group as a young couple. Charles served on the Finance Committee for many years and helped complete major renovations to the historic buildings. He volunteered any way he was asked, including Sunday School, Vacation Bible School and service on the Kindergarten Board which he loved dearly. He treasured the community of El Dorado and helped in many quiet ways including the Campfire Girls.

Charles was an avid reader and lifelong learner. This he supplemented with countless camping and canoeing trips and with travel all over the world alongside Susan and his extended family. Another occupation not to be omitted was his tireless work preserving their Victorian house and tending to the family’s treasured rescue dogs.

Sincere appreciation goes out to Charles’ ALS caregivers, Sherlesh, Annie, Bree and Angela for their expertise, hard work and friendship.

A memorial service will be held at 10:00 am, Saturday, September 3, at First United Methodist Church in El Dorado.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Union County Animal Protection Society (UCAPS), P.O. Box 204, El Dorado, AR 71730.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.youngsfuneralhome.com