CHARLES EDWARD BURGESS 1931-2020

Charles Edward Burgess, 88, passed away at home on Monday, February 17, 2020, after a valiant battle with Myleodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) that was diagnosed in March 2019. Charlie was a native Houstonian born on September 2, 1931, to Dr. B. Edward and Evelyn Burgess. He graduated from Lamar High School in 1949, and still enjoyed getting together with his classmates at Molina’s for a monthly Lamar Lunch. Graduating from Texas A&M University in 1954 with a degree in Architecture, Charlie was a member of the Corps of Cadets and later served as a Captain in the Air Force from 1957-1958, receiving a Commendation Medal for his outstanding military service. Over his long architectural career, Charlie oversaw the construction of many of the buildings in the Houston downtown skyline and in the Galleria area. He was a member of the American Institute of Architects and was inducted into the prestigious AIA College of Fellows in 1988. He was an avid storyteller, daily letter writer, a lover of music and the arts, appreciated good food and friends and enjoyed spending time on the Frio River in the Texas Hill Country.

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Patricia Dunn Burgess, his children, Jonathan Burgess and Amy Burgess Wurdeman and husband, Todd, grandchildren Reese and Riley Wurdeman, his sister Dorothy Burgess McDade and her husband Tom, along with many other relatives and friends.

Family and friends are invited to a memorial service on Saturday, March 7, 2020, at 2:00 p.m. at Covenant Church, 4949 Caroline St. in Houston, Texas, with a reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Hospitality Apartments, 7300 Bertner Ave., Houston, Texas 77030. (www.hospitalityapartments.org)