Ivan Dewey Burge, 88, of Muskogee, Okla., formerly of De Soto, died Oct. 28, 2019. Mr. Burge graduated from Bonne Terre High School and served in the U.S. Army National Guard. He worked as a truck driver and a hotel owner for many years until his retirement. He loved golfing, making clocks and had a passion for antique cars. He was a devoted fan of the St. Louis Cardinals, and loved going to all the sports his grandchildren and great-grandchildren played. He also loved singing in quartets and was a faithful member of Oldham Memorial Baptist Church for 34 years, serving as a deacon and a Sunday school teacher. He was born Dec. 5, 1930, in St. Louis, the son of the late Earl Dewey and Bertie Mae (Fowler) Burge.
He is survived by his wife of 66 years: Wanda Lee (Blake) Burge, whom he married Aug. 28, 1953, in St. Louis; three children: Steven M. (Sharalyn) Burge of Oklahoma City, Thela A. (Bill) Hinnen of Hewitt, Texas, and Dwaine Dewey (Rhonda) Burge of Moberly; a sister: Jewell Angstrom of De Soto; 13 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and many other family members and friends.
He was preceded in death by his stepmother: Ethel Burge; a sister: Iris Dean Warren; and two stepbrothers: Pete Burpo and Dean Burpo.
A celebration of life was held Nov. 1 at Oldham Memorial Baptist Church in Muskogee, officiated by Pastor Glen Little. Burial was in the National Cemetery at Fort Gibson, with Mike Carter, Michael Burge, Keith Wallace, Nick Burge, Brandon Clagg and Wes Young serving as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers were Virgil Medley, Jeff Walker, Dearl Baird and Michael O'Keefe. Memorials may be made to the Oldham Memorial Special Gift Fund. Arrangements were under the direction of Cornerstone Funeral Home in Muskogee.