I am the daughter of a career USAF Dentist, David J Bales. He, like Dr Burgess went on to research and education in Dentistry. I am also a Dentist snd have had the pleasure of hearing Dr Burgess’s lectures twice . 
I am so sorry for your loss. He was a gifted clinician and educator!
Praise the Lord Jesus for the saving grace we have!
God Bless you!
Diantha J ( Bales) Berg DDS

Pat, Susan and I just heard news of John's passing, and I can't tell you how sad we are to know that he is gone.  I cannot express to you how much he meant to me at a very critical juncture of my life.  When we got to Wichita Falls in 1982 I wasn't sure I even wanted to be a dentist.  I thought I had made a terrible career mistake.  After about two weeks of being with John, Mike Mansueto, and a few others, I decided that not only did I want to be in dentistry, I wanted to be like THEM.  John inspired me toward excellence...it's as simple as that.  He was demanding, but I needed that, and I guess somehow I also needed him to be proud of me.  A "well done" from John was just about the greatest compliment ever.  We also remember your kindness after Steven was born that summer.  You both were so good to us and we'll never forget that.  Steven is 41 now, a pulmonologist, and a great dad of 11 yr old twins.  I so regret losing touch with you, and  I'm gutted that I'll never again have the chance to tell John how much I have admired and appreciated him over the years.  God Bless You, David Deas (fulham.perio@gmail.com)

May God’s blessing descend on John’s
beloved family and may his memories continue to serve as a role model for all of us.  His was a life well and fully lived.
I am grateful I had the opportunity too have worked with him.
Tom and Judy Berry

Dearest Pat, we know God’s loving grace is sufficient for all occasions and we pray you will know His presence  in the days ahead. John left an amazing legacy, but we knew him as a wonderful neighbor. He was warm, gracious and was quick turn to the conversation from himself, he never failed to ask how we were doing. We  treasure our times together walking our dogs. Oh, how he loved Moose, and how much Moose loved John. He adored you and his family, and loved to talk about his grandkids. We will always remember John’s courage in his final days and his depth of faith. He knew his Savior and lived for him.  The light of Jesus shined brightly in John. He will be missed. 
Love you Pat.

My deepest sympathies in the loss of such a wonderful man. I was a dental student in 2011 and was one of his undergraduate research students. I always remember presenting my research at a big conference in Tampa, FL in 2012. I was standing at my “poster presentation” that had Dr. Burgess’s name listed as a co-author. This big group of clinicians approached me and said “you worked with Dr. Burgess?!? Where is he? We want to meet him!”. That happened over and over again during my poster presentation. I truly didn’t realize until that time that I was working with a “celebrity” in the dental research field. He was such a humble man with kindness abounding anytime I met with him. He will be sorely missed in the dental community.

Dear Burgess Family,

Please accept my deepest condolences. I work at the dental school and remember when Dr. Burgess would come into the lounge near his office to heat up his soup. He was kind and very observant. He would always ask which book I was reading that week or discuss the students I had in my class. 

Recently, when I found out his diagnosis, I reached out because we both were in the same cancer battle. I remember him responding to my message and we were able to communicate via text. He was a kind man who treated everyone the same. I will forever remember him and our talks at work. 
Sincerely,
Renee Holifield

John and Pat babysat our kids many many times when we lived in NOLA. We didn’t have any family there and the Burgess’ and there boys became like our 2nd family. We have so many treasured memories with each of them as we spent time together. John also worked on my teeth and I’m so thankful for the great care he gave me for so many years. He always did everything he could to save each tooth. He will be greatly missed by so many.

Dr. Burgess was my first mentor in the General Dentistry residency at Wilford Hall. He was the reason I entered academics and piqued my interest in dental materials. He had a tremendous impact of may students and residents.  His influence on his mentees will last for years and will be his legacy in dentistry. I offer my condolences to his family.  

Terry Imbery

I learned of the loss of Dr. John Burgess just today and was deeply saddened by this news. As a fellow Air Force dentist and civilian educator, I consider John  a giant in the field of dental materials and restorative dentistry.  His shared expertise lifted the skills and knowledge of thousands of dental students, dental residents and practicing dentists, and the profession has lost a true gem.  I extend my sincere condolences to his family.

My condolences to Dr Burgess friends and family. I have such fond memories of Dr Burgess when he was at LSU in NOLA. He was always so open, helpful and encouraging when I first entered dental as a new 3M Sales Rep. Always smiling. May he rest in peace.

May I express our sincere condolences on the tragic news of passing Dr John Burgess's passing. A huge loss to the dental world.

I/we  have only wonderful, treasured memories of meeting and working with John when he visited Australia & New Zealand on lecture tours.

Always the true gentlemen, highly intelligent and such an amazing educator and speaker.  He was so highly respected by so many here when he toured.  
Sincere love & best wishes to the entire Burgess family at the this difficult time.   

Rest in peace John

OBITUARY

John Olan Burgess

June 24, 1946 – May 29, 2024

Southern Heritage Funeral Home & Cemetery

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