Reginald Ernest Burge

Warren Reginald Ernest Burge, 88, of Warren, passed away Saturday, May 20, 2017 at St. Joseph's Select Specialty Hospital in Warren. Reginald was born on January 25, 1929 at home in Champion, OH, the son of Reginald G. and Ethel Thompson Burge. He graduated in 1947 from Champion High School, and began working shortly thereafter at Ohio Lamp. In November of 1950, Reginald was drafted in the U.S. Army, where he first worked at as a supply clerk at Fort Sill in Oklahoma. Later, the Army tapped him to work in the highly restricted Atomic energy program in Albuquerque, NM. Here, he worked in the early days of the Army's secretive special weapons project. And there, he remained serving faithfully and selflessly, in harm's way, until the time of his honorable discharge in 1952. On June 23, 1951, Reginald married the love of his life, the former Grace Ware, who was his devoted wife and companion for over sixty-five years. This strong and enduring bond was Redge's greatest blessing in life. After his discharge from the Army, Reginald worked at Van Huffel as a shipping clerk, where he remained until his retirement. Reginald was blessed with many talents, and enjoyed several hobbies. He was known for his woodworking and craftsman skills; he was a talented painter; and was a superior pastry chef. Whenever he gifted someone with one of his labors, it became an instant treasure. Reginald and Grace loved boating and they belonged to Oaks' Mosquito Yacht Club for many years. After retirement, Reginald enjoyed travelling with Grace by his side. The two traveled all around the U.S. They became regular faces on Anderson bus trips, and enjoyed meeting and making new friends everywhere they went. Besides his wife, Grace, Reginald is survived by his brother, Bruce (Edith) Burge of Southington; his sister Grace (Warren) Fairchild of Winston-Salem NC; and his brother in laws, Malcolm Osmer of Pine Buff AR, Don Bowling of Napa CA, and William Ware of Warren. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews, who were devoted to "Uncle Redge", and who will also miss him and cherish his memory in their hearts. In addition to Reginald's parents, he was preceded in death by his sisters, Marcelle Osmer, Carol Delp, and Evelyn Bowling. Family and friends will gather at Lane Family Funeral Homes Roberts Clark Chapel, located at 180 Garfield Dr. NE Warren, OH 44483 on Friday May 26, 2017 at 11:00AM to celebrate his life and memory. Calling hours will be held from 5-7:00PM on Thursday May 25, 2017 and on Friday May 26, 2017 from 10-11:00AM at the funeral home. Reginald's family would like to thank their family doctor Richard Hart and the staff at St. Joseph's Hospital and at Select Specialty Hospital for their Compassion and support that they gave to the family, and the care they gave to Reginald. Family and friends may send their heartfelt condolences by visiting www.robertsclarkchapel.com